Gilpin observer., 1919-03-13

| Ian and his striking appearance, lavish
ed upon him all those attentions that
are bestowed only on the most distin-
guished Of his spiritual children. He
was filled with admiration for the 10y
atty OF a subject from the ends Of the
earth that could induce him to make so
long difficult and hazardous journey
Christ. Decian remained in Rome for
some years. and was then consecrated
Bishop and sent back to ireland by the
Pope. with full powers to preach the
gospel and administer the Sacraments
(, to his countrymen.
Ailbe. the second OF the pre-Patrician
Bishops, like his countryman Declan.
/ also went to Rome. where under the
guidance of>Bishop Hilarius he prepared
himself for missionary work in Ireland
by a long and extensive course Of study.
He was consecrated Bishop in Rome and
received there also his commission for
/ the Irish apostolate.
! Kferan. a descendant of the Fitzpat-
ricks and O'Driscolls. was born in Cape
Clear. an island on the southwest coast
Of Cork. Here he lived for thirty years
life Of the most exemplary piety. al
though he has not yet received the Sac
| rament of Baptism. With the special
object Of receiving this Sacrament. he
went to Rome and remained there for
twenty years occupied in sacred study.
At the end Of that time, having re-
ceived episcopal conservation at the
hands of the reigning Pope, he return
ed home to cooperate with his fellow
laborers, Declan and Ailbe, in the cul-
tivation of that distant portion of the
Lords vineyard. He was accompanied
| from Italy by five other Irishmen WHO
had been ordained priests in Rome, viz.
: Lugaid. Columbian. Meldan, Lugace and
Cassan Before leaving Italy. Lieran
had an interview with st. Patrick. whom
he met on his way to Rome. We have
no detailed account of what passed be-
tween our national apostle and his dis
tinguished precursor at this meeting,
but according to the testimony Of Col
gan. st. Patrick addressed Kieran in
impressive words that proved prophetic
in after years: Continue" said the
saint. "your journey to Ireland: in the
middle Of that country you will discov-
er a fountain called Fuaran; you will
there cause a monastery to be built.
and I will visit you there at a future
day."
kieran discovered the fountain indi-
Gated by st. Patrick, on his return to
Ireland, and in accordance with the in
structions he had received, built him
self cell where for some time he liv-
ed the life of hermit. This cell was
enlarged by additions in the course of
time. and finally was transformed into
a monastery, around which an import
ant town sprang up. The town became
the centre of large diocese, of which
Kieran was first Bishop. The learning
and piety of this holy man drew large
numbers of people to the faith. and his
teaching was frequently confirmed by
miracles. The five priests who accom-
panied him from Rome afterwards be-
came Bishops. and labored with great
zeal and success for the conversion OF
souls in the dioceses committed to their
charge.
Ibar. the fourth of the Patrician
Bishops. was a native of Ulster. Like
his fellow -laborers, he was for many
years Jealous propagation of Christian
ity. To csyry on his work more effec-
lively he established a monastery for
the training of priests on an island near
the coast of Wexford. In this monas-
terry he ended his days. after a long and
arduous campaign in the service OF
Christ. leaving behind him for the edi-
fication and encouragement OF poster
ity an enviable record of good works
and high reputation for sanctity.
From this necessarily brief account OF
the pre-Patrician Bishops, 1t is plain
shat large numbers OF the Irish people
enjoyed the blessings OF true religion
long before the beginning OF St. Pat
rick's mission. Indeed. we have au-
thentic records that Christianity was no
stranger to many OF them even prior to
the time OF Declan and his brother
Bishops. On this point the testimony
OF men anything but partial to the Ir-
ish and their religion will be accepted
as conclusive not only nv men accuse
toned to weigh evidence. but by all
men OF sense and reason. Historians
eminent for their ability. but by racial
instinct and religious training inimical