St Fachtna of Rosscarbery (6th century) patron of Ross diocese
The
image shows St Fachtna' Catholic Church at Rosscarbery, in west Co
Cork.
St Fachtna founded a monastery and scripture school here.
He is
the patron of the diocese of Ross, now integrated into the combined
diocese of Cork and Ross.
Scripture school
Toward the end of the sixth century Fachtna founded a monastery and school in the area now known as Rosscarbery (Ros Ailithir –
“the wooded headland of the pilgrims”). The School of Ross became a
celebrated seat of learning and gained an international reputation for
study of sacred scripture and learning until the ninth century when it
was besieged and destroyed by the Danes.
Ross diocese
Fachtna is regarded as the first
bishop and patron of Ross diocese, which comprises eleven parishes on
the seaboard from Timoleague, near Clonakilty, to Aughadown, west of
Skibereen, as well as Oileán Cléire and Sherkin Island. Though not
listed among the dioceses set up by the Synods of Rathbreasail (1111) or
Kells (1152), Pope Celestine III appointed Daniel Bishop of Ross in
1197 and the diocese had its own bishop from the 12th century until
1693, when it was united with Cork and Cloyne. In 1849 the diocese
regained its own bishop, but in 1954 was united with Cork diocese.
Influence
Fachtna is a favoured name for Catholic
boys from the area. There is Catholic church dedicated to St Fachtna in
the picturesque village of Glandore. A stained-glass window of St
Fachtna by Sarah Purser appears in the Honan Chapel in University
College, Cork. A Church of Ireland Cathedral dedicated to him remains in
the village of Rosscarbery. His feast is on August 13th.