St Finian is said to have spent time in Wales, studying under St Cadoc at Llancarfen. He went on to build a small cell and church of wattle and daub at Clonard, Co Meath. His teaching of scripture drew wide attention and he founded the great monastery of Clonard where in its heyday there were said to be 3000 students. He became known as the ‘teacher of the saints of Ireland’ and was the author of a celebrated ‘Penitential’. He probably died of the plague.
Saint Finian or Finnian Abbot
Reposed 549 Remembered December 12
