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St. Ruadhán of Lorrha

Feast 04-15

Patron of

About

Ruadán mac Fergusa Birn, known also as Rowan, Roadan, and Ruadhán (died 15 April 584), was an Irish Christian abbot who founded the monastery of Lorrha (Lothra, County Tipperary) near Terryglass. Born at Tara in Leinster, he was educated at Clonard by St. Finnian and is counted among the "Twelve Apostles of Ireland." He is said to have replaced Brendan the Navigator at Lorrha, who then crossed the Shannon to found Clonfert.

At Lorrha, Ruadhán directed 150 monks in prayer, fasting, and simplicity. Renowned for prophecy, his embassy to King Diarmait mac Cerbaill at Tara—after the king violated the sanctuary of the Church—gave rise to the legend of the "Curse of Tara." The bell of St. Ruadhán, found in a well named for him, is now in the British Museum. His feast is observed on 15 April.

monks, monk, monastic, monasticism, monastic life, monasteries, religious brothers, cloistered monks, monastic orders, monks life, brothers, mystics, mystic, mysticism, mystical, mystical theology, mystical experiences, mystical prayer, mystical life, contemplative mystics, mystical union, mystics of the church

Suggested prayer

O God, who endowed your servant Ruadhán with the gift of prophecy and called him to found a monastery at Lorrha, grant through his intercession that we may discern your will and walk faithfully in your ways. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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