SAINT FINBAR

SAINT FINBAR

Saint Finbar was the son of an artisan and a lady of the Irish royal court. Born in Connaught, Ireland, and baptized Lochan, he was educated at Kilmacahil, Kilkenny, where the monks named him Fionnbharr (white head) because of his light hair. He is also known as Bairre and Barr.

On a visit to Rome the Pope wanted to consecrate him a bishop but Saint Finbar was deterred by a vision. He notified the pope that God had reserved that honor to Himself and Saint Finbar was consecrated from heaven. He preached in southern Ireland and lived as a hermit on a small island at Lough Eiroe on the river Lee. Saint Finbar founded a monastery that developed into the city of Cork and he was it’s first bishop. His monastery became famous in southern Ireland and attracted numerous disciples.

Many extravagant miracles are attributed to him. Supposedly the sun did not set for two weeks after he died at Cloyne about the year 633.

His feast day is September 25th.

Saint Finbar is the patron of immigrants. Feast day November 13.

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