Son of Coemlog and Coemell, Leinster nobility. Baptized by Saint Cronan of Roscrea, and educated by Saint Petroc of Cornwall from age seven. Lived with monks from age 12. Studied for the priesthood in Cell na Manach (Killnamanagh). Student of Saint Eonagh. Priest, ordained by bishop Lugidus. Monk. Acquaintance of Saint Comgall, Saint Columba, Saint Cannich, and Saint Kieran of Clonmacnois.
Following his ordination, he lived as a hermit for seven years into a cave at Glendalough, a Bronze Age tomb now known as Saint Kevin’s Bed, to which he was reportedly led by an angel. He wore skins, ate the nettles and herbs that came to hand, and spent his time in prayer. Word of his holiness spread, and he attracted followers, including Saint Moling. Founded the monastery at Glendalough, which included relics brought back during a pilgrimage to Rome. This house, in turn, founded several others, and around it grew a town which became a see city, though now subsumed into the archdiocese of Dublin. Served as abbot for several years. When he saw that the monastery was well-established, he withdrew to live as a hermit. Four years later, however, he returned to Glendalough at the entreaty of his monk, and served as abbot until his death.
Propers for Kevin - Hermit and Abbot
The Collect.
O God, who to the blessed Abbot Kevin gavest grace to imitate Christ in his poverty, and with humble heart to follow him to the end: grant that all who enter the path of Gospel perfection may neither look back no go astray from the way, but hastening to thee without stumbling, may attain the crown of eternal life whereunto thou dost call them. Through the same Lord and Saviour. Amen.
The Epistle - Ecclesiasticus (Sirach) 45:1-5.
And he brought out of him a merciful man, which found favour in the sight of all flesh, even Moses beloved of God and men, whose memorial is blessed: He made him like to the glorious Saints, and magnified him, so that his enemies stood in fear of him. By his words he caused the wonders to cease, and he made him glorious in the sight of kings, and gave him a commandment for his people, and shewed him part of his glory. He sanctified him in his faithfulness, and meekness, and chose him out of all men. He made him to hear his voice, and brought him into the dark cloud, and gave him commandments before his face, even the law of life and knowledge.
The Gospel - St. Matthew 19:27-29.
Then answered Peter and said unto him,
Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore? And Jesus said unto them,
Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.
Reference and Resources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Kevin
http://saints.sqpn.com/saint-kevin-of-glendalough/
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The British (or Scotus) prince Saint Eingan or Eneon Bhrenin, left Cumberland for Wales, where he built a chruch ended his days as a hermit at Llanengan near Bangor. He is said to have been a son of the chieftain Cunedda.
