Little
is known of the life of St. Brendan. Though his character is steeped in
misty legend, he did very much exist and it is fairly certain that he
was born near Tralee, Ireland, in County Kerry. He was baptized by St.
Erc and, for five years, was entrusted to the care of St. Ita, the
"Brigid of Muenster," to be educated. Later, in 512, Brendan was
ordained by St. Erc.
He is thought to have started a community of
monks, and at some point he embarked on his famous seven-year voyage
with sixty companions, looking for the “Land of Promise”. Though much
celebrated, this story is steeped in mystery. The isle of St. Brendan
seems to have been one of his points of landing.
On more
historically secure footing, St. Brendan established sees, churches and
monasteries, the most famous of which was Clonfert in 557, where he
appointed St. Moinenn as prior and school master. After his death, St.
Brendan was interred in Clonfert.
Photos by: Andreas F. Borchert
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