Ségéne facts for kids

Saint Ségéne (pronounced Seg-een) was an important leader in the early Irish Church. He was born around 610 AD and became the Bishop of Armagh, a very important religious center in Ireland. He served as Bishop from 661 until his death on May 24, 688.

Where Saint Ségéne Came From

Saint Ségéne was born in a place called Achad Chlaidib. This name means "Field of the Sword." Today, this area might be known as Aghnacloy, which is in County Armagh, Ireland. His father's name was Bresal.

Becoming a Priest

During Saint Ségéne's time, there was a big discussion in the Irish Church. They were trying to figure out the correct way to calculate the date of Easter. This was known as the Paschal (Easter) Question.

The southern parts of Ireland had already started using a newer method for calculating Easter. But the churches in the north, including those connected to Iona, used an older Irish method.

To solve this problem, the Bishop of Armagh, named Tómméne, and other church leaders sent a letter to Pope Severinus in Rome around 640 AD. They asked for his advice on the Easter date.

Sadly, Pope Severinus died before he could read the letter. However, other leaders in the Vatican, including the future Pope John IV, replied to the letter. In their reply, they mentioned "Segenus, presbyter." This "Segenus" was most likely Saint Ségéne, showing he was already a priest in Armagh by 640 AD.

Leading the Church: Bishop of Armagh

When Bishop Tómméne passed away on January 10, 661, Saint Ségéne was chosen to take his place. He became the 17th leader, or coarb, after Saint Patrick, who first brought Christianity to Ireland. Saint Ségéne led the church in Armagh for 27 years.

During his time as Bishop, the city of Armagh experienced a fire in 672. Some old records mistakenly say it burned twice, but the second fire actually happened in 690, two years after Saint Ségéne had died.

An important event happened before Saint Ségéne passed away. Bishop Aed of Sletty, a different diocese in Ireland, decided to place his church under the care of Armagh. This was a big deal because it showed that Armagh was becoming the most important church center in Ireland, even more so than Kildare.

The Book of Armagh, an ancient manuscript, tells us about Bishop Aed's visit. It says that Aed brought his diocese to Ségéne in Armagh. Ségéne then gave it back to Aed, and Aed promised his church and family to Saint Patrick (meaning to Armagh) forever.

Bishop Aed likely did this for two main reasons. First, he wanted to avoid his diocese being taken over by the nearby church of Kildare. It was easier to deal with Armagh because it was further away. Second, Aed probably wanted to encourage Armagh to start celebrating Easter using the Roman custom, which was already the practice in Sletty.

When Saint Ségéne Died

Saint Ségéne died on May 24, 688. Many old Irish records, called Annals, mention his death:

• The Annals of Clonmacnoise recorded: "Segine Bishop of Ardmagh died."
• The Annals of the Four Masters stated: "St. Seghene, Bishop of Ard-Macha, died. He was from Achadh-claidhibh."
• The Annals of Ulster noted: "Repose of Ségéne from Achad Claidib, bishop of Ard Macha."

Saint Ségéne's Feast Day

After his death, Saint Ségéne was honored as a saint. His feast day, which is a special day to remember and celebrate him, is on May 24. This is the same day he died.

His feast day is mentioned in several old calendars of saints:

• The Martyrology of Gorman lists: "Segein, bishop of Armagh."
• The Martyrology of Tallaght records: "Segin Airdmacha."
• The Martyrology of Donegal states: "Seighin, Bishop, of Ard-Macha, A.D. 687."