Declan, Saint, Bishop of Ardmore, active 6th century -- Legends
Moreover he gave his
homestead to Declan and his people were baptised. After this Dercan
requested that Declan should bless something in his homestead which
might remain as a memorial of him (Dercan) for ever. Then Declan blessed
a bell which he perceived there and its name is Clog-Dhercain ("Dercan's
Bell"); moreover, he declared: "I endow it with this virtue (power) that
if the king of Decies march around it when going to battle, against his
enemies, or to punish violation of his rights, he shall return safely
and with victory." This promise has been frequently fulfilled, but proud
(men) undertaking battle or conflict unjustly even if they march around
it do not obtain victory but success remains with the enemy. The name of
that homestead was Teach-Dhercain ("Dercain's House") and its name now
is Coningean, from the claw [con] of the hound or dog aforesaid. To this
place came the saintly concourse, scil:--Coman and Ultan, MacErc and
Mocoba and Maclaisren, who dedicated themselves to (the service of) God
and placed themselves under the spiritual rule and sway of Declan.
31. Thereupon Declan established a monastery in that place, scil.--in
Coningin--and he placed there this holy community with a further band of
disciples. Ultan however he took away with him to the place whither he
went.
32. On another (subsequent) occasion Declan visited Bregia, i.e. the
original territory which belonged to his race previous to the expulsion
of his ancestors. There he was treated with particular honour by the
king of Tara and by the chieftains of Meath by whom he was beloved,
since it was from themselves (their tribe and territory) that his
forbears had gone out, for that region was the patrimony of his race and
within it lies Tara. Declan instituted therein a monastery of Canons,
on land which he received from the king, and it is from him the place is
named. Moreover he left therein a relic or illuminated book and a famous
gospel which he was accustomed to carry always with him. The gospel is
still preserved with much honour in the place and miracles are wrought
through it. After this again he turned towards Munster.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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