Celtic and Old English Saints 13 August =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= *St. Muredach of Killala =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
St. Murtagh (Muredach) of Killala, Bishop -------------------------------------------------------- Died c. 455. The foundation of the diocese of Killala dates from the time of St. Patrick, who placed his disciple St. Muredach over the church called in Irish Cell Alaid. In a well that still flows close to the town, beside the sea, Patrick baptized in a single day 12,000 converts, and on the same occasion, in presence of the crowds, raised to life a dead woman whom he also baptized. Muredach is described as an old man of Patrick's family, and was appointed to the Church of Killala as early as 442 or 443. His feast-day is 12 August. It is probable that he resigned his see after a few years, and retired to end his life in the lonely island in Donegal Bay which has ever since borne his name, Innismurray. It was at Killala that Patrick baptized the two maidens whom he met in childhood at Focluth Wood by the western sea, and whose voices in visions of the night had often pathetically called him to come once more and dwell amongst them. Life kindly supplied by: These Lives are archived at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/celt-saints *****************************************
