Aidan of Ferns

There were several Irish saints named Aidan but this one seems to have been the most important. Son of Eithne and Sedna, chief of Connaught. He traveled to Kilmuine, Wales and became one of Saint David‘s most faithful disciples. He returned to Ireland in 580 with a band of disciples, including Saint Caillan and settled at Brentrocht, Leinster. Founded 30 churches and several monasteries in that district, the greatest being Ferns in Wexford, built on land given him by Brandubh, King of Leinster. First bishop of Ferns c.598; the episcopal seat of Ferns is now at Enniscorthy, where there is a beautiful cathedral dedicated to Aedan. Miracle worker. Late in life he retired to live as a prayerful monk.



Propers for Aidan of Ferns - Monastic, Missionary and Bishop.

The Collect.

Almighty and Everlasting God, we thank thee for thy servant Aidan, whom thou didst call to preach the Gospel to the people of Leinster. Raise up, we beseech thee, in this and every land evangelists and heralds of thy kingdom, that thy Church may proclaim the unsearchable riches of our Saviour Jesus Christ; who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, now and for ever. Amen.


The Lesson -  Isaiah 52:7-10


The Holy Gospel - Luke 10:1-9


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