St. Modomnóc of Ossory (also Domnóc and Dominic) (died c. 550) was an Irish saint and missionary in Osraige who was a disciple of St. David of Wales and a member of the Uí Néill royal family.[1] His feast day is February 13.
Modomnóc of Ossory | |
|---|---|
 Timoleague Friary | |
| Born | 500s |
| Died | c. 550 |
| Feast | 13 February |
| Attributes | bees |
Life
editModomnoc's name is likely to have been Dominic[2] or Donogh, as the words "my", ("mo") "little" and "dear" were added to Irish saint's names; hence Domnóc's name is often rendered mo Domnóc or Modomnóc. He left Ireland to practice priesthood and crossed the sea to Wales to study under St. David at Menevia.[3]
Beekeeper
editOne of the best known stories regarding Saint Modomnoc concerns his work as a beekeeper. Bees were kept both for their honey and the production of wax.[3] He was never stung. When the time came for him to return to Ireland, three times the bees followed in great swarm and settled on the mast.[4]
In a little boat, from the east, over the pure-colored sea, my Domnoc brought the gifted race of Ireland's bees. ~ Félire Óengusso[5]
Modomnoc's talking to his bees is in keeping with an Irish folklore custom of ‘Telling the Bees’ which ensures that the bees not feel any offence due to exclusion from family affairs and so will remain with the hive. It was believed that if one didn't tell the bees of a wedding, a birth, or a death they would take offence and leave.[6] This same custom forms the basis of John Greenleaf Whittier's poem, "Telling the Bees".[7]
Upon returning home he continued his religious services at Tybroughney. He is said to have been honoured with the episcopal dignity, about the middle of the 6th century.[8][9]
References
edit- ^ C. Plummer, Miscellanea Hagiographica Hibernensis, p. 217; B.T.A., i. 322
- ^ Colganum, Ioannem (1645). "Qui est Chronologicus". Acta Sanctorum Hiberniae (in Latin). Vol. Tomus Primus. Leuven: Everardum de Witte. p. 831.
- ^ a b Haggerty, Bridget, "The Bees Who would not be Left Behind", Irish Culture and Customs
- ^ "Walsh, Jim, "Saint Molaga of Bremore", Balbriggan & District Historical Society". Archived from the original on 16 July 2012. Retrieved 20 March 2013.
- ^ "The Martyrology of Oengus the Culdee: Félire Óengusso Céli dé". Harrison and Sons. 1905.
- ^ Chaomhánach, Eimear, "The Bee, its Keeper and Produce, in Irish and other Folk Traditions", University College Dublin
- ^ Whittier, John Greenleaf, "Telling the Bees"
- ^ "Bees in Medieval Ireland', South West Cork Bee-Keepers' Association
- ^ Butler, Alban. "St. Modomnoc, or Dominick, of Ossory, Bishop and Confessor", The Lives of the Saints, Volume II, 1866
This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
External links
edit- HOLY FATHER MODOMNOC OF OSSORY, PATRON SAINT OF BEES Commemorated: February 13/26
- St. Modomnoc - Catholic Online
- Chaomhánach, Eimear, "The Bee, its Keeper and Produce, in Irish and other Folk Traditions", University College Dublin
- "A Saint and His Bees" by Dessi Jackson
- "Timoleague Abbey". www.irishtourist.com. Retrieved 20 September 2016.