25th September - Saint Finbar
Saint Finbar preached the Gospel throughout Southern Ireland and Scotland, and founded a number of churches. He lived as a hermit on a small island at Lough Eiroe, and then, on the river Lee, founded a monastery that developed into the city of Cork of which he was the first bishop. His monastery became famous in Southern Ireland and attracted numerous disciples. Many extravagant miracles are attributed to him, and supposedly, the sun did not set for two weeks after he died at Cloyne about the year 633.
O God, who wonderfully numbered among your holy shepherds blessed Finbar, a man aflame with divine charity and outstanding for that faith that overcomes the world, grant, we pray, that through his intercession we, too, persevering in faith and charity, may merit to be sharers of his glory. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen!
