St Enda of Aran (d. 530) patriarch of Irish monasticism
"With
Enda, as far as can be ascertained, monasticism in the strict sense -
of embracing vows, complete seclusion from the world and a stern system
of discipline - began in Ireland" (John Ryan SJ in his book Irish Monasticism).
Early life
Enda succeeded to the kingdom of his
father Conall Dearg of Oriel (south and mid-Ulster today), which he
successfully defended against raids from neighbouring clans.
On his
return from a successful engagement he was passing the community of his
sister Fainche and was attracted to one of her young virgins.
Whether
the girl died or Enda was prevented from carrying her off by his sister,
he decided to embrace the monastic life and studied first at St Ailbe's
monastery at Emly.
He then founded some monasteries in the Boyne
valley and later studied at Ninian's Candida Casa in Scotland, where he
was ordained.
Foundation on Inis Mór, Aran Islands
On his
return to Ireland, his brother-in-law Aengus, the king of Munster,
wanted him to settle in a fertile spot in the Golden Vale, but Enda
chose the lonely, unproductive Aran islands as more suitable for his
ideal of the monastic life.
He founded a monastery at Killeany (Cill Éanna)
on Inishmore. Among those who came there for formation were Ciarán of
Clonmacnoise, Jarlath of Tuam, and Carthage, who later had monasteries
at Rahan and Lismore.
Because of his many followers Enda along with
Finian of Clonard are regarded as the patriarchs of Irish monasticism.
Twice mentioned in the Navigatio Sancti Brendani
Enda's
reputation was so great that Brendan the Navigator got his blessing
before he set sail and was said to have discovered him (long after his
death) on the Isles of the Blest.
Church dedication in Killanny, Co Louth
As well
as dedications on Inishmore, there is a church dedicated to St Enda in
the parish of Killanny, the only parish in Co Louth that is in the
diocese of Clogher (counties Monaghan, south Tyrone, Fermanagh and south
Donegal).
This is probably connected with his origins in the kingdom of
Oriel.