St Etchen was born in 490 AD. He founded a Monastery at Clonfad (Kinnegad-Milltownpass road). He ordained St Columba to the priesthood. He is invoked as patron saint of ploughmen and farmers. He died on 11 February 577 AD.
Fr Robert McCabe CF has made the following prayer available for circulation:
All powerful and ever living God, we find security in your forgiveness.
Give us fine weather, we pray, so that we may rejoice in your gifts of kindness
and use them always for your glory and our good.
St Etchen, the farmer bishop, hear our prayer!
St Finian, hear our prayer!
St Agnes, hear our prayer!
St Benedict, hear our prayer!
