Molaise of Leighlin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Molaise of Leighlin |
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|---|---|
| Born | unknown Ireland |
| Died | 18 April ca. 700 Ireland |
| Venerated in | Roman Catholic Church Eastern Orthodox Church Anglican Communion (Church of Ireland) |
| Feast | 18 April |
Saint Molaise of Leighlin, also known as Laisrén or Laserian, was an important early Irish saint. He was an abbot of a monastery in a place called Lethglenn, which is now Old Leighlin in County Carlow, Ireland. He lived during the 6th and 7th centuries.
The Life of Saint Molaise
Early Years and Travels
Molaise was born in Ireland but grew up in Scotland. When he was a young man, he chose to live a quiet life as a hermit on Holy Isle. This island is located off the coast of the Isle of Arran.
Later, Molaise went on a long journey to Rome as a pilgrim. A pilgrim is someone who travels to a holy place for religious reasons. While in Rome, it is believed that he was ordained as a bishop.
Leading a Monastery
After his travels, Molaise returned to Ireland. He joined the monastery at Old Leighlin. There, he became the abbot, which is like the head of a monastery. He might have also been a bishop there.
Molaise helped to update the rules of the Church in Ireland. He made them more like the practices of the Roman Catholic Church in Rome. He is especially known for helping to introduce the Roman way of calculating the date for Easter. This helped to make sure everyone celebrated Easter at the same time.
His Legacy
Saint Molaise likely passed away around the year 639. His special day, called a feast day, is celebrated every year on April 18.
His monastery at Old Leighlin became very successful. It was so important that it later gave its name to a diocese. A diocese is an area managed by a bishop. This diocese was officially created in 1111 at a meeting called the Synod of Ráith Bressail.
See also
- St Goban — brother of Molaise of Leighlin and his predecessor as abbot of Leighlin.
