Born in the sixth century, St Finian made his way to Clonard in County Meath were he established a school for Christian learning. It is recorded that no fewer than 3,000 pupils were educated at one time in Clonard. St Finian appears to have had a special gift for teaching, particularly in exposition of Sacred Scriptures. Many of his pupils became great teachers and established monastic schools throughout Ireland and Europe. The work of St Finian contributed in no small part to the reputation of Ireland as “the land of saints and scholars”. Click here for further details on the life and mission of St Finian.
Events for the Feast Day
Mass in honour of St Finian will be celebrated in the Cathedral of Christ the King, Mullingar on Thursday 12 December 2013 at 10.00am. Among those in attendance will be the Schola Cantorum from St Finian’s College, directed by Mr Gerard Lillis, who will provide the music for the liturgy.
Novena in honour of St Finian began on 4 December 2013 in St Finian’s Church, Clonard. It will continue daily with Eucharistic Adoration at 7.00pm, followed by Mass and novena prayers at 8.00pm until the Feast Day.
Prayer for the Feast of St Finian
By the work of your bishop Saint Finian, Lord
you formed a multitude of Saints
in the knowledge of the Gospel
and in the monastic life;
in our own day raise up, we pray, at his intercession,
saints to edify your people
by the vitality of their Christian lives.
We make this prayer through Christ our Lord, Amen.
Click here for a video to mark the Feast of St Finian, courtesy of iCatholic.
