Irish Saints
Robert T. Reilly
Harry Barton (Illustrator)
Farrar, Straus & Company
1964 First edition
This book was one of the original Vision Books when they were published by Farrar, Straus, and Cudahy. This later volume was also published in the UK by Burns & Oates. The Vision Books Biographies now published by Ignatius Press, but this volume has not been reprinted by them. It is the nineteenth in the series that I have read. I had previously picked up a few of others in the series, that are out of print to read, and have read all the additions to the series from Ignatius that have eBook editions. The Ignatius site lists 33 books in the series currently, but according to my research there are 72 original books in the series published between 1955 and 1967. There were also a few announced that appear to never have made it to print. The new Ignatius editions have been released between 2000 and 2025. I started this series because I had finished the 38 books in the Encounter the Saints Series from Pauline Books and Media. Those books are geared for a younger audience, and these are written for older readers and go deeper into the subject matters of each volume.
The description of this volume is:
“The trials and successes of the twelve Irish saints including Ireland's Patron Saint Patrick, Saint Brigid, who founded Ireland's first community of sisters, and many others who were either canonized or saintly laypersons. A classic volume providing insight into the facts and legends of these remarkable people.”
Another states:
“The history of Ireland, like that of many lands, is studded with the names of canonized saints and other good people who have proven that the sanctity spans all times.”
The chapters in this volume are:
Forward
St. Patrick
St. Brigid
St. Brendan
St. Columcille
St. Columban
St. Malachy
St. Lawrence O’Toole
Blessed Oliver Plunkett
Mother Catherine McAuley
Father Throbald Matthew
Matt Talbot
Bishop Edward J. Gavin, S.S.C.
Afterward
I highlighted numerous passages while working through this volume. Some of them are:
“The Irish saints whose stories are told in this book are ''''saints” in the broad religious sense. Some have been canonized by the Church; others, though not formally saints, are nonetheless saintly and may one day be added to the Church’s roster of the canonized.”
“We know now that there were missionaries in Ireland before Patrick and Christians before his disciples. His advent, however, marked the real beginning of that constant faith which was prophesied by the Druids. Holy men and women followed him—scholars, martyrs, wanderers, ascetics, reformers. Finally the faith came full circle and Ireland sent forth missionaries of its own to Christianize other pagan lands. Some were saints and some were merely saintly.”
“Yet he survived, and he found on Slemish, in suffering and solitude, the God undiscovered in his former luxury. He learned to pray and he learned that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. In his loneliness he pledged his life to the service of his Creator.”
“The Ard-Ri never accepted Christianity, but he gave Patrick permission to preach and baptize. Within King Leary's court many converts were made. This was the beginning of an incredible record of missionary activity.”
“He marched across the land with an efficient, self-sufficient entourage composed of priests, judges, a bodyguard, a psalmist, cooks, various tradesmen and artisans, seminarians and other useful retainers. They were capable of building a church from the ground up. Usually the sites of Patrick's principal churches reflected his knowledge of the political complexion of the land, for he located them in the territories of strong kings and princes.”
“Mostly, though, Patrick's life consisted of prayer and work and then more prayer and more work.”
“To this day, Croagh Patrick remains a place of special pilgrimage among the many sites connected with the missionary saint.”
“History verifies the presence of other missionaries in Ireland at a somewhat earlier date, but in the hearts of the Irish Patrick will always be first, just as they were first in his heart.”
“History verifies the presence of other missionaries in Ireland at a somewhat earlier date, but in the hearts of the Irish Patrick will always be first, just as they were first in his heart.”
“Slavery in Ireland had most of the evils inherent in it elsewhere. Women in servitude were chattel to be bartered. For the free woman, however, Ireland was the most enlightened of European countries. Near-equality for women existed from earliest times, permitting educational and professional opportunities, legal equity and, on some occasions, acceptance as warriors.”
“With or without the inspiration of St. Patrick, Brigid made a decision to adopt the monastic life and she left home forever, accompanied by seven virgins who formed Ireland's first religious community of women.”
“Croghan Hill became the site of her first religious house and one of a number ascribed to her. Prayer, fasting, work and contemplation filled the hours of the holy women, but Brigid did not subscribe to a cloistered existence. Instead she traveled across Ireland, usually by chariot.”
“Larger than most monastic settlements, Kildare attracted priests and poets, saints and scholars. Like other communities, it was self-sustaining, living off the bounty of the surrounding land (which Brigid had claimed by miraculously spreading her cloak over twelve square miles of lovely hillside).”
“Just as the shamrock is associated with St. Patrick, so is the tiny cross made of rushes linked to Brigid. While explaining the Passion to a dying pagan, she wove a cross from the rushes strewn about his floor.”
“Despite these sojourns into higher society, Brigid remains the saint of the common man. She dignified labor and sympathized with the working man. She was skilled as a cook and herdsman. Never sparing of her own energies, she was no Pharisee. Once she rebuked her nuns for exacting more penance of themselves than the Lenten fast required.”
“Most of all, she lives on in the character she imparted to Irish Christianity, the humanizing, humble values of compassion, charity and courage. Her virtue earned her the reputation of never being denied by God. Perhaps this is because she sought so little.”
“Like Brigid, St. Brendan the Navigator was a man immersed in legend. The tales of his voyages, though lacking in historical evidence, formed one of the sources of Dante's Divine Comedy and inspired seafarers down to the time of Columbus.”
“He represents the advent of the wandering Irish saints who were to sweep across the Continent, preaching, teaching and building.”
“Bishop Ere, ruling prelate of the district, came to the crib of the newborn child like one of the Magi, claiming Brendan as a foster son. In keeping with this assumed responsibility, the bishop sent his ward to a convent school for boys in Killeady, Limerick, to begin his education.”
“At the monastery Brendan learned Latin and perhaps Greek and Hebrew. History and mathematics must have been among his studies and since Ere, converted from Druidism by Patrick, knew the science of astronomy, he undoubtedly shared this knowledge with his students.”
“Where Brendan sailed on any of his many voyages is uncertain.”
“For a time Brendan retired to an island in the Shannon River where he erected a monastery and spent the long days in prayer and fasting. This solitary life was not his destiny, however, for he was soon consecrated a bishop and sent throughout Ireland, building churches, teaching religion and navigation, mediating in court cases.”
“"St. Brendan, help us to remember that we have only one true port—Heaven. Help us never to suffer shipwreck on our journey thither, nor to put our souls in danger of sin which is the only true death. Pray for our land and our homes and make us know and love our faith more and more."”
“Among native Irish saints, Columcille holds the highest place. His body is said to lie at Downpatrick, beside those of Patrick and Brigid with whom he shares international veneration. His memory is enshrined not only in Ireland, but in England, Scotland and the Hebrides. Much of his charm lay in his essentially Celtic character devout, fiery, energetic, romantic and able.”
“Born to nobility, Columcille might have been a great chieftain had he not chosen Christ as his commander.”
“Following his ordination, Columcille spent some time at Glasnevin, near Dublin, where he was subject to St. Mobhi. His studies were interrupted in 544 when the Yellow Plague swept across the Continent, dispersing the students and sending Columcille north once more.”
“Toward Scotland Columcille drifted, to a land where his people, the Celts, had migrated in years past. He would bring the Gospel to them and to their enemies, the fierce Picts. With courage and confidence, he beached his boat on the tiny island of Iona at the southwestern tip of Mull in Scotland's western waters. From here, on « clear day, he could see Ireland rising from the mist two dozen leagues away.”
“Like St. Columcille, St. Columban was destined to die on alien soil. His exile, however, was self-imposed and it brought him fame as the first of the great Irish missionaries to the Continent.”
“Columban resolved to quit the world and its temptations and adopt the celibate life of the priesthood.”
“The effects of Columban's mission are felt to this day. His name is honored by Catholics in France, Germany, and Italy and by his own countrymen in Ireland. His disciples brought the faith to countless multitudes on the Continent.”
“Malachy's mother was careful not to spoil her children and was concerned that they should have, above all else, a fear of the Lord and a love of His commandments. These she inculcated at home while entrusting the boys to the most competent teachers in Armagh. Malachy was a good student; faculty members marked him as obedient, respectful and talented.”
“The previous year, Malachy had sheltered and advised this king while McCarthy was in temporary exile. Grateful for this kindness, Cormac gave Malachy land in Kerry for a new settlement. He added sheep, cattle, money and his own labor in constructing the Iveragh monastery. Malachy had returned to the simple life of a monk, the life he always sought and desired.”
“When asked about his preference as to a time and place for his death, St. Malachy replied that he would like to expire on All Souls Day in Ireland. And if it could not be Ireland, then he would like to die at Clairvaux. His wish was close to fulfillment.”
“Like his contemporary, St. Malachy, St. Laurence O'Toole died in France and was buried in alien soil, the last of Ireland's canonized saints. His life spanned the most critical events in Ireland's history.”
“Murtagh blessed his son and then left him at Glendalough to pursue his vocation. The growth from novice to monk was a severe test of faith and endurance. The Rule of St. Benedict was strict, but to Laurence, who had suffered the years of hardship at Ferns, it was filled with spiritual solace. At twenty-five, he was chosen to lead the community as its abbot. Youth alone prevented him from being consecrated a bishop.”
“Chroniclers describe Laurence as tall, graceful and dignified, but he was no fragile courtier. On assuming responsibility for the diocese, he reviewed the scattered population subject to him and investigated the state of his clergy. The need for reform was apparent, so Laurence undertook it fearlessly. His priests, particularly those in higher offices, were required to abide by stricter rules.”
“The five hundred years separating Laurence O'Toole and Oliver Plunkett were agonizing years for Ireland and dismal ones for her Church. The nation suffered military reverses, political reprisals and, finally, religious persecution.”
“The legacy of St. Brigid produced holy Irish women in every century, from Ethna, the mystic child, to Edel Quinn, a great lay missionary of our time who spread membership in the Legion of Mary across the African continent. No century was more fruitful than the eighteenth century in Ireland.”
“Since that day the Sisters of Mercy have marched into the history of a dozen nations. Orphanages, hospitals, homes, schools and colleges have been entrusted to their care.”
“During the lifetime of Matt Talbot, the world witnessed the rise and fall of Parnell, the gallant struggles of the Fenians and the Sinn Fein, the Labor Troubles, the tragic Rising of 1916, the First World War. It witnessed miracles, too, particularly the Apparition at Knock, when the Blessed Virgin, St. Joseph and St. John the Evangelist appeared to numerous villagers in this small County Mayo town.”
“Though Matt drank to excess and carelessly cursed, his words and actions were never coarse or lewd. In other aspects of his conduct, he was decent and prudent.”
“Matt's solace was in his faith. When a friend lamented her own loneliness. Matt rebuked her gently. "Lonely? How can you be lonely with Christ in the Tabernacle?"”
“Whenever he could. Matt tried to influence others to live better lives. Though not preachy or prying, he left no doubt where he stood on moral issues. When men cursed in his presence, he lifted his hat reverently. When they repeated dirty stories, he reminded them that Christ was listening. When they came to him for advice, he counselled them wisely. With little children he was particularly friendly. Two little girls who lived near the lumber yard often shared his lunch hour. To them he'd recount the lives of the saints in story fashion, pointing out the examples, dramatizing the miracles.”
“Matt Talbot's canonization cause has been advanced, and many faithful in Ireland and elsewhere are hopeful that recognition will come to the shy, smiling workman who conquered his own weakness and gave strength to thousands who suffered.”
“One of these, Bishop Edward J. Galvin, was a man Patrick would have understood and loved. His counsel to a fellow priest was: "Put St. Patrick in front of you, St. Columban behind you, put your head down and plow away."”
“A golden era began for the Columbans, and it was to last a decade. More than 40,000 pagans were adequately instructed and baptized in that period.”
“In this busy but peaceful period, the Columban Fathers became better acquainted with their remarkable founder. They found him a man of great courage, perseverance and humility. He demeaned his own efforts and spoke of appearing before God with empty hands.”
I hope those quotes give you a feel for this volume. The book concludes with a Prayer to the Saints of Ireland. Which makes up part of a Litany of Irish Saints I stumbled across a few years ago, and try and pray daily. I have read a number of volumes like this on Irish saints, including several by Irish author Alice Curtayne. I have also read a number of volumes on Saints Patrick, Brigid, and even Matt Talbot. But even with all that previous reading I absolutely loved this volume.
According to Goodreads there are 8 editions of this volume. The most current published in 2002. It has been reprinted by a few different publishers over the years. The original edition ahs both:
NIHIL obstat:
Rev. William F. Hogan, S.T.D.
Cefisor Librorum
Imprimatur:
Most Reverend Thomas A. Boland, S.T.D.
Archbishop of Newark
I had to really hunt to find a copy of the cover from a Vision Book Edition, I am glad I was able to find one. The Vision Books were “created to acquaint boys and girls from 9 to 15 with the lives of great catholic lay persons, martyrs and saints.” It looks like Ignatius only prints the ones for those who are canonized. It is a pity because this and several others I have stumbled upon would still be great reads. But you can find other editions. I really wish there was an eBook edition of it. If you can track this down, I highly recommend it.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2025 Catholic Reading Plan!
Books in the Vision Books Saints Biographies:
The Cure of Ars
Edmund Campion
Florence Nightingale's Nuns
Fr. Marquette and the Great Rivers
Francis and Clare, Saints of Assisi
Kateri Tekakwitha
Mother Cabrini, Missionary to the World
Mother Seton and the Sisters of Charity
Saint Anthony and the Christ Child
Saint Catherine Laboure and the Miraculous Medal
Saint Dominic and the Rosary
Saint Elizabeth's Three Crowns
Saint Francis of the Seven Seas
Saint Helena and the True Cross
Saint Ignatius and the Company of Jesus
Saint Isaac and the Indians
Saint Katherine Drexel
Saint Louis and the Last Crusade
Saint Philip of the Joyous Heart
Saint Therese and the Roses
Saint Thomas Aquinas and the Preaching Beggars
Saint Thomas More of London
Vincent De Paul: Saint of Charity
…
Out of Print books in the Series:
Catholic Campuses, Stories of American Catholic Colleges
Champions in Sports and Spirit
Children Welcome: Villages for Boys and Girls
Christmas and the Saints
Columbus and the New World
Dear Philippine: Mission of Mother Duchesne
Edel Quinn: Beneath the Southern Cross
Frances Warde and the First Sisters of Mercy
Good Pope John b
Governor Al Smith
In American Vineyards, Religious Orders in the United States
John Carroll Bishop and Patriot
John Neumann, The Children's Bishop
Kit Carson of the Old West
Lydia Longley, the First American Nun
Marguerite Bourgeoys, Pioneer Teacher
Martin de Porres, Saint of the New World
Modern Crusaders
More Champions in Sports and Spirit
Mother Barat's Vineyard
My Eskimos: A Priest in the Artic
Peter and Paul: The Rock and the Sword
Peter Claver, Saint Among Slaves
Pope Pius XII, the World's Shepherd
Rose Hawthorne: The Pilgramage of Nathaniel's Daughter
Saints of the Byzantine World
Sarah Peter: The Dream and the Harvest
St. Augustine and His Search for Faith
St. Francis de Sales
St. Gregory the Great, Consul of God
St. Jerome and the Bible
St. Margaret Mary, Apostle of the Sacred Heart
The Bible Story, The Promised Lord and His Coming
The Cross in the West
The Ursulines, Nuns of Adventure
…
...
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