Saint Colman of Kilmacduagh
Saint Colman of Kilmacduagh (born c. 555 AD in Corker Hill, County Galway, Ireland; died October 29, 632 AD in Kilmacduagh, County Galway, Ireland) was the founder and first bishop of the monastery of Kilmacduagh in County Galway. He lived as a hermit in the Burren in County Clare before being persuaded by the King of Connacht to found the monastery. Kilmacduagh has one of the finest leaning round towers in Ireland. His feast day is October 29.
Stored in Cargo: Saint Colman of Kilmacduagh
| Saint Colman of Kilmacduagh | |
|---|---|
| Feast Day | October 29 |
| Profession | Monk; hermit; founder and first bishop of Kilmacduagh |
| Rel. Affiliation | Celtic Church; Diocese of Kilmacduagh (now Diocese of Galway, Kilmacduagh and Clonfert) |
| Patronage | Diocese of Galway, Kilmacduagh and Clonfert; County Galway |
| Attributes | Bishop's vestments; deer (the miracle of the deer); round tower; Irish cross |
| Birthplace | Corker Hill, County Galway, Ireland (traditional) |
| Death Place | Kilmacduagh, County Galway, Ireland |
| Cause of Death | Natural causes |
| Primary Shrine | Kilmacduagh Monastery, County Galway, Ireland — ruins of the cathedral, round tower, and ancient churches mark the site |
| Liturgical Class | Not included (universal calendar); observed in Diocese of Galway |
| Historic Class | Not included |
Biography
Colman was born around 555 AD, the son of Duac of the royal family of Connacht. From his youth he was drawn to the religious life. He lived for many years as a hermit in the rocky limestone landscape of the Burren in County Clare — a haunting, treeless plateau above Galway Bay.
The King of Connacht, Guaire Aidne (a king famous in early Irish literature for his hospitality), urged Colman to found a monastery. According to tradition, Colman accepted and was led to the site of Kilmacduagh (Cill Mhic Dhuach — "the church of the son of Duach") by a miraculous deer. He founded the monastery there and was consecrated its first bishop. He died on October 29, 632.
The ruins of Kilmacduagh are one of the most evocative monastic sites in Ireland. The Round Tower (over 34 meters tall) leans at a greater angle than the famous Tower of Pisa and is one of the best preserved in Ireland. The ruins of the Cathedral of Saint Colman, the Temple John, the Temple Mary, and other medieval buildings stand beside it.
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: Corker Hill, County Galway, Ireland (traditional)
Death location: Kilmacduagh, County Galway, Ireland
Notable location: The monastery he founded; famous for its leaning Round Tower and the ruins of the ancient cathedral and churches; a major Irish heritage site (Kilmacduagh, County Galway, Ireland)
Notable location: The limestone plateau where he lived as a hermit before founding his monastery; a dramatic and sacred landscape (The Burren, County Clare, Ireland)
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Parishes
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Shrines
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Known shrines
- Kilmacduagh Monastery, County Galway — the monastic ruins including the leaning Round Tower, Cathedral of Saint Colman, and several other medieval churches; an Irish National Monument.
Feast day
October 29
Veneration
Saint Colman of Kilmacduagh is venerated in the Diocese of Galway, Kilmacduagh and Clonfert with a feast day on October 29.
Prayers
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