
The Most Ancient Lives of Saint Patrick
Including the Life by Jocelin, Hitherto Unpublished in America, and His Extant WritingsBy VariousLength9h 52m
About this audiobook
The Most Ancient Lives of Saint Patrick is a foundational text that explores the life and legacy of Ireland's patron saint through a collection of early hagiographies. These narratives, composed in the 5th and 9th centuries, illuminate not only the miraculous deeds attributed to Patrick but also the sociocultural landscape of early medieval Ireland. Rich in allegory and moral teaching, the literary style is characterized by a blend of folklore, theology, and national identity, reflecting the complexities of a society transitioning from paganism to Christianity. The various authors of these accounts, writing within the context of a burgeoning Christian Ireland, were likely motivated by a desire to affirm and solidify Patrick's significance as a cultural and spiritual icon. Through their works, they aimed to establish a sense of unity and purpose within the Christian community, while also providing a historical foundation for a rapidly evolving nation. Their collective effort underscores how the legacy of Saint Patrick was constructed and perpetuated through evolving narratives over centuries. This anthology is essential for scholars and general readers alike, offering a vital glimpse into the intricacies of Irish history and spirituality. By reading The Most Ancient Lives of Saint Patrick, one not only gains insight into the life of a pivotal figure but also engages with the rich tapestry of myth and history that continues to shape Irish identity today.
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GenreSpirituality and Religion
Length9 hrs 52 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateNov 27, 2019
LanguageEnglish
Table of contents
1THE CONFESSION OF ST. PATRICK.
220The Saint Prophesieth of the Virgin Treha, and a Veil is placed on her Head by an Angel.
2THE BEGINNING OF THE BOOKS OF THE BISHOP ST. PATRICK.
221CHAPTER LXXXIX.
3ST. PATRICK'S EPISTLE TO COROTICUS.
222Saint Patrick Prophesieth of the Sanctity of Saint Columba.
4ST. PATRICK'S EPISTLE TO THE CHRISTIAN SUBJECTS OF THE TYRANT COROTICUS.: [Illustration: The Saint Patrick of Ancient Ages.]
223CHAPTER XC.
5ST. FIECH'S METRICAL LIFE OF ST. PATRICK.
224The River is Divided in Twain, and Blessed.
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6Written in the Irish Language about 1,400 years ago.
225CHAPTER XCI.
7II.
226The Prophecy that Patrick made unto Connedus.
8III.
227CHAPTER XCII.
9IV.
228Of Mannia and the other Islands Converted unto God.
10V.
229CHAPTER XCIII.
11VI.
230Of the Saint's Prophecy concerning Six Priests, and of a Skin which he bestowed to them.
12VII.
231CHAPTER XCIV.
13VIII.
232Saint Patrick Continueth his Preaching Three Days.
14IX.
233CHAPTER XCV.
15X.
234Of the Vision of the Blessed Brigida, and its Explanation.
16XI.
235CHAPTER XCVI.
17XII.
236Of the Angels of God, of the Heavenly Light, and of the Prophecy of Saint Patrick.
18XIII.
237CHAPTER XCVII.
19XIV.
238The Temptation of the Nun is Subdued.
20XV.
239CHAPTER XCVIII.
21XVI.
240Of Saint Comhgallus, and the Monastery foreshowed of Heaven.
22XVII.
241CHAPTER XCIX.
23XVIII.
242The Saint Prophesieth of the Obstinate Fergus and of his Children.
24XIX.
243CHAPTER C.
25XX.
244The Malediction of the Saint is laid upon the Stones of Usniach.
26XXI.
245CHAPTER CI.
27XXII.
246Of the Woman in Travail, and of her Offspring.
28XXIII.
247CHAPTER CII.
29XXIV.
248The Bishop Saint Mel catcheth Fishes on the Dry Land.
30XXV.
249CHAPTER CIII.
31XXVI.
250The Footprints of Certain Virgins are impressed on a Stone.
32XXVII.
251CHAPTER CIV.
33XXVIII.
252The Earth is raised in the midst of the Stream.
34XXIX.
253CHAPTER CV.
35XXX.
254Of the Altar and the Four Chalices discovered under the Earth.
36XXXI.
255CHAPTER CVI.
37XXXII.
256A Treasure is Twice discovered in the Earth by Swine.
38XXXIII.
257CHAPTER CVII.
39XXXIV.: [Illustration: The Saint Patrick of Medieval Times.]
258Saint Patrick prophesieth of the two Brothers.
40TRIPARTITE LIFE.
259CHAPTER CVIII.
41PART I.
260The Penitence of Asycus the Bishop.
42PART II.
261CHAPTER CIX.
43PART III.
262The Tempest of the Sea is Composed.
44THE PROEME OF JOCELIN.: [Illustration: The Saint Patrick of Our Own Century.]
263CHAPTER CX.
45THE LIFE AND ACTS OF ST. PATRICK.
264The Miracle of the Waters is Repeated.
46CHAPTER I.
265CHAPTER CXI.
47CHAPTER II.
266Of the Cowl of Saint Patrick which remained untouched by the Sea.
48How a Fountain burst forth, and how Sight and Learning were given to the Blind.
267CHAPTER CXII.
49CHAPTER III.
268Of the Veil that was sent from Heaven.
50Of the Stone of Saint Patrick.
269CHAPTER CXIII.
51CHAPTER IV.
270Of the Holy Leper, of the New Fountain, of the Angelic Attendance, and the Prophecy of Patrick thereon.
52Of the Well dried up.
271CHAPTER CXIV.
53CHAPTER V.
272Of the Lake which was removed by Saint Patrick.
54How he produced Fire from Ice.
273CHAPTER CXV.
55CHAPTER VI.
274Patrick understandeth the Conscience of Saint Fiechus, and blesseth him.
56How the Sister of St. Patrick was healed.
275CHAPTER CXVI.
57CHAPTER VII.
276The Chariot is, by the Decision of the Angel, sent unto Fiechus.
58How he restored to Life his Foster-Father.
277CHAPTER CXVII.
59CHAPTER VIII.
278The Several Offices of a certain Monastery are appointed by an Angel.
60Of the Sheep released from the Wolf.
279CHAPTER CXVIII.
61CHAPTER IX.
280The Prophecy of Saint Patrick concerning the Men of Callria.
62Of the Cow freed from an Evil Spirit, and Five other Cows restored to Health.
281CHAPTER CXIX.
63CHAPTER X.
282Certain Cheeses are converted into Stones, and many Wicked Men are drowned.
64Of the Water turned into Honey, and of his Nurse restored to Health.
283CHAPTER CXX.
65CHAPTER XI.
284Of the Pitfalls passed over without danger, and the Prophecies of the Saint.
66How the Fort was Cleansed.
285CHAPTER CXXI.
67CHAPTER XII.
286The Prophecy of the Saint on a Certain Village.
68Of the Religious Conversation of Saint Patrick.
287CHAPTER CXXII.
69CHAPTER XIII.
288The Sentence prophetically declared.
70How Saint Patrick was Carried into Ireland.
289CHAPTER CXXIII.
71CHAPTER XIV.
290The Prophecy of the Saint on a Certain Bishop and on the one who consecrated him.
72Of Milcho's Dream, and of its Interpretation.
291CHAPTER CXXIV.
73CHAPTER XV.
292The Blind Man is restored to Sight; from him who seeeth is Sight taken; and three are relieved of Lameness.
74Of the Angel Victor appearing to Saint Patrick.
293CHAPTER CXXV.
75CHAPTER XVI.
294Nine Evil-doers are consumed by Fire from Heaven, and a Fountain is produced out of the Earth.
76How St. Patrick was Redeemed from Slavery.
295CHAPTER CXXVI.
77CHAPTER XVII.
296Another Magician is in like manner Consumed.
78How he Relieved those who were Perishing of Hunger.
297CHAPTER CXXVII.
79CHAPTER XVIII.
298A Grove is cursed by the Saint.
80Of his Fast continued for Twenty Days.
299CHAPTER CXXVIII.
81CHAPTER XIX.
300The Sentence pronounced by the Saint on his Deceivers.
82How he Overcame the Temptation of the Enemy.
301CHAPTER CXXIX.
83CHAPTER XX.
302A Mountain is swallowed up in the Earth, and again it is raised.
84How he was again made Captive, and released by the Miracle of the Kettle.
303CHAPTER CXXX.
85CHAPTER XXI.
304Euchodius is cursed by the Saint, and his Son is blessed.
86Of Saint Patrick's Vision.
305CHAPTER CXXXI.
87CHAPTER XXII.
306Of Saint Sennachus the Bishop.
88How he dwelt with the blessed Germanus, and how he received the Habit from Saint Martin.
307CHAPTER CXXXII.
89CHAPTER XXIII.
308The Miracle which is worked for Certain Hewers of Wood.
90Of the Flesh-meat changed into Fishes.
309CHAPTER CXXXIII.
91CHAPTER XXIV.
310A Hone is divided by Saint Patrick, and the Oppressor is drowned.
92How in his Journey to Rome he Found the Staff of Jesus.
311CHAPTER CXXXIV.
93CHAPTER XXV.
312An Angel foretelleth to Patrick of Saint Moccheus.
94How he Journeyed unto Rome, and was made a Bishop; and of Palladius, the Legate of Ireland.
313CHAPTER CXXXV.
95CHAPTER XXVI.
314The Sentence pronounced by Patrick on Moccheus.
96How he Saw and Saluted the Lord.
315CHAPTER CXXXVI.
97CHAPTER XXVII.
316The Saint prophesieth of two Brothers, and a Fountain is produced out of the Earth.
98Of the Miraculous Voyage of the Leper.
317CHAPTER CXXXVII.
99CHAPTER XXVIII.
318The Saint Prophesieth of a Certain Youth.
100How he beheld Devils.
319CHAPTER CXXXVIII.
101CHAPTER XXIX.
320Of Conallus and of his Shield.
102Of the River sentenced to perpetual Sterility.
321CHAPTER CXXXIX.
103CHAPTER XXX.
322A Heavenly Light shineth around Saint Patrick, and Victor is converted unto the Faith.
104How the Dry Land was turned into a Marsh.
323CHAPTER CXL.
105CHAPTER XXXI.
324A Certain Cymbal of Saint Patrick is lost and found again.
106Of his coming into Ulidia, and of the Prophecy of the Magicians on his coming.
325CHAPTER CXLI.
107CHAPTER XXXII.
326The Obedience of Saint Volchanus.
108How a Fierce Dog was suddenly Tamed; of the Conversion of Dichu; and how a Fountain rose out of the Earth.
327CHAPTER CXLII.
109CHAPTER XXXIII.
328Of Saint Rodanus, the Herdsman of Patrick.
110Of the Evil-doer Swallowed up by the Earth.
329CHAPTER CXLIII.
111CHAPTER XXXIV.
330Of Saint Kertennus, the Bishop of Clochor.
112Of the Aged Man restored unto his Youth.
331CHAPTER CXLIV.
113CHAPTER XXXV.
332Of a Boy who was blessed by Saint Patrick.
114Of the Death of Rius.
333CHAPTER CXLV.
115CHAPTER XXXVI.
334Of a Woman who was raised from Death.
116Of the Death of Milcho.
335CHAPTER CXLVI.
117CHAPTER XXXVII.
336The Testimony of One who was revived from Death.
118Of the Holy Mochna.
337CHAPTER CXLVII.
119CHAPTER XXXVIII.
338The Cross that was not observed; and the Voice which issued from the Sepulchre.
120Of the Hostages of Dichu which were Freed by an Angel.
339CHAPTER CXLVIII.
121CHAPTER XXXIX.
340A Goat bleateth in the Stomach of a Thief.
122Of Saint Benignus, and of the Prophecy which was made of him.
341CHAPTER CXLIX.
123CHAPTER XL.
342Of the Cloaks which fell from Heaven.
124The Fire that was Lighted by Patrick.
343CHAPTER CL.
125CHAPTER XLI.
344A wicked Tyrant is transformed into a Fox.
126Of the Holy Man named Hercus.
345CHAPTER CLI.
127CHAPTER XLII.
346The wicked Man Machaldus and his Companions are converted unto the Faith.
128How the Magician was Destroyed.
347CHAPTER CLII.
129CHAPTER XLIII.
348The Penitence of Machaldus.
130Of the Miraculous but Terrible Rescue of Saint Patrick.
349CHAPTER CLIII.
131CHAPTER XLIV.
350A Meadow is overflowed by the Sea.
132How the Saint Escaped the Deadly Snares.
351CHAPTER CLIV.
133CHAPTER XLV.
352A Stone is changed into Milk, and Milk is changed into Stones.
134Of the Poison mingled in the Wine.
353CHAPTER CLV.
135CHAPTER XLVI.
354A Wagon laden with Twigs is saved from the Fire.
136Of the Fantastic Snow.
355CHAPTER CLVI.
137CHAPTER XLVII.
356The Saint is preserved untouched from the falling Rain.
138How the Darkness was Dispersed.
357CHAPTER CLVII.
139CHAPTER XLVIII.
358The Fingers of Saint Patrick shine with Light.
140How the Magician and his Garment were consumed, and Benignus and the Garment of St. Patrick preserved unhurt.
359CHAPTER CLVIII.
141CHAPTER XLIX.
360Fire is also seen to issue from his Mouth.
142Of Many who were Swallowed up by the Earth, and how the rest were Converted unto God.
361CHAPTER CLIX.
143CHAPTER L.
362The holy Virgin Memhessa departeth unto God.
144Of the Sisters and the Nephews of St. Patrick.
363CHAPTER CLX.
145CHAPTER LI.
364Of the Work which was done in the Lord's Day.
146How Saint Lumanus Sailed against the Wind and the Stream.
365CHAPTER CLXI.
147CHAPTER LII.
366A certain Man is healed, and a Horse revived, in a place which is called Feart.
148How Forkernus and his Parents were Converted and Baptized.
367CHAPTER CLXII.
149CHAPTER LIII.
368Of the Vessel which was given unto Saint Patrick, and again taken from him.
150Of the Prophecy of St. Patrick on Coyrbre, and of the Unfruitfulness of a River.
369CHAPTER CLXIII.
151CHAPTER LIV.
370Ardmachia is given unto Saint Patrick; and a Fountain is produced out of the Earth.
152Of Conallus, and of the Prophecy of Patrick concerning him.
371CHAPTER CLXIV.
153CHAPTER LV.
372The Saint beholdeth a Vision of Angels, and cureth Sixteen Lepers.
154Of the Altar of Saint Patrick.
373CHAPTER CLXV.
155CHAPTER LVI.
374Of the City of Ardmachia, and Twelve of its Citizens.
156Of the Images destroyed from Heaven, and of the Fountain produced from the Earth.
375CHAPTER CLXVI.
157CHAPTER LVII.
376At the Direction of the Angels Saint Patrick goeth unto Rome.
158How the Darkness was Dispersed.
377CHAPTER CLXVII.
159CHAPTER LVIII.
378The Acts of Saint Patrick while returning from Rome.
160Of the Virgins who went unto Heaven.
379CHAPTER CLXVIII.
161CHAPTER LIX.
380The Acts of St. Patrick after he had Returned.
162Of the Magician Struck by Lightning, and of Twelve Thousand Men Converted unto Christ.
381CHAPTER CLXIX.
163CHAPTER LX.
382Of the Threefold Plagues of Hibernia.
164Of another Magician whom the Earth swallowed up.
383CHAPTER CLXX.
165CHAPTER LXI.
384The Threefold Plague is driven out of Hibernia by Saint Patrick.
166How another Magician is Sunken up to the Ears, and again is Raised up.
385CHAPTER CLXXI.
167CHAPTER LXII.
386Without Earthly Food the Saint completeth a Fast of Forty Days.
168How a huge Stone was raised by the Saint.
387CHAPTER CLXXII.
169CHAPTER LXIII.
388He banisheth the Demons forth of the Island.
170How the Women were raised from Death.
389CHAPTER CLXXIII.
171CHAPTER LXIV.
390Troops of Angels appear unto the Saint.
172Two Women who were pregnant are with their Infants rescued from Death unto Life.
391CHAPTER CLXXIV.
173CHAPTER LXV.
392The Saint titheth Hibernia and the Dwellers therein.
174How he builded a Church of Clay alone.
393CHAPTER CLXXV.
175CHAPTER LXVI.
394The different States of Hibernia are in a Heavenly Vision shown unto the Saint.
176Of the two Rivers, Dubh and Drobhaois.
395CHAPTER CLXXVI.
177CHAPTER LXVII.
396The Answer of Saint Patrick to Secundinus.
178Of the Voice that issued from the Sepulchre.
397CHAPTER CLXXVII.
179CHAPTER LXVIII.
398Secundinus composeth a Hymn in Honor of Saint Patrick.
180Of his Journey, and of his manifold Miracles.
399CHAPTER CLXXVIII.
181CHAPTER LXIX.
400The Soul of a Certain Sinner is by Saint Patrick freed from Demons.
182The Prophecy of the Saint Concerning Dublinia; and the Sick Man cured.
401CHAPTER CLXXIX.
183CHAPTER LXX.
402How the Saint appeared unto Colmanus while singing his Hymn.
184A Fountain is produced out of the Earth.
403CHAPTER CLXXX.
185CHAPTER LXXI.
404The Admirable Contemplations of the Saint.
186The Dead are raised up; the King and the People are converted; a Fountain is produced, and Tribute promised.
405CHAPTER CLXXXI.
187CHAPTER LXXII.
406Saint Patrick beholdeth the Souls of the Rich and of the poor Man sent unto different Places.
188Of the Sentence pronounced on Murinus.
407CHAPTER CLXXXII.
189CHAPTER LXXIII.
408Saint Vinvaloeus is miraculously stayed by Saint Patrick from his purposed Journey.
190Foylge is punished with a double Death, and the deceiving Fiend is driven out of his body.
409CHAPTER CLXXXIII.
191CHAPTER LXXIV.
410The Daily Prayers and Genuflexions of the Saint.
192Of the Saint's Prophecy concerning the Kings of Momonia.
411CHAPTER CLXXXIV.
193CHAPTER LXXV.
412How he passed the Night Season.
194How Dercardius and his Companions were destroyed.
413CHAPTER CLXXXV.
195CHAPTER LXXVI.
414The Habit, the Bearing, and the Acts of Saint Patrick.
196Of the Quarrel of the Two Brothers.
415CHAPTER CLXXXVI.
197CHAPTER LXXVII.
416Of the Sick whom he healed, and the Dead whom he raised; and of his Disciples who recorded his Acts.
198Fourteen Thousand Men are miraculously refreshed with the Meat of Five Animals.
417CHAPTER CLXXXVII.
199CHAPTER LXXVIII.
418The Angelic Voice showeth unto Saint Patrick of his Death and of the Place of his Burial.
200Nineteen Men are raised by Saint Patrick from the Dead.
419CHAPTER CLXXXVIII.
201CHAPTER LXXIX.
420The Place of his Sepulture is foreshown by a Light from Heaven.
202The King's Daughter becomes a Nun.
421CHAPTER CLXXXIX.
203CHAPTER LXXX.
422Saint Brigida bringeth unto Saint Patrick the Garment which was to enshroud his Body.
204The King Echu is raised from Death.
423CHAPTER CXC.
205CHAPTER LXXXI.
424The Death of Saint Patrick.
206A Man of Gigantic Stature is revived from Death.
425CHAPTER CXCI.
207CHAPTER LXXXII.
426The Number of the Years of his Life.
208Of Another Man who was Buried and Raised Again.
427CHAPTER CXCII.
209CHAPTER LXXXIII.
428The Funeral Honors which Men and Angels paid unto the Body of the Saint.
210Of the Boy who was torn in pieces by Swine and restored unto Life.
429CHAPTER CXCIII.
211CHAPTER LXXXIV.
430The Light continueth for Twelve Days.
212The Prayers of the Saint confer Beauty on an Ugly Man.
431CHAPTER CXCIV.
213CHAPTER LXXXV.
432The Miraculous Rising of the Sea between the Contending People.
214The Stature of the same Man is increased unto a sufficient Height.
433CHAPTER CXCV.
215CHAPTER LXXXVI.
434Two Wains appear, the which are sent by a Miracle.
216Of Saint Olcanus, the Teacher and Bishop, raised out of the Earth.
435CHAPTER CXCVI.
217CHAPTER LXXXVII.
436The Sepulture of Saint Patrick in the City of Dunum.
218How the Tooth of Saint Patrick shone in the River.
437A CHRONOLOGICAL TABLE: TO THE
219CHAPTER LXXXVIII.
438LIVES OF ST. PATRICK.