Saint Enda was born in the 5th century in Ireland. He was a warrior-king of Oriel in Ulster and was converted to Christianity by his sister, Saint Fanchea, an abbess. Enda renounced his dreams of conquest and decided to study for the priesthood, studying first at St Ailbe’s monastery at Emly.
Enda established the first Irish monastery at Killeaney on Inis Mór, one of the Aran Islands, around 484. He divided the island into two parts, with one half assigned to the monastery of Killeany and the other half to his disciples. Enda’s monks lived a hard life of manual labor, prayer, fasting, and study of the Scriptures. They survived by farming and fishing, and Enda taught them to love the hard rock, the dripping cave, and the barren earth swept by the western gales.
Enda’s monastic settlement on the Aran islands became an important pilgrimage destination and a center for the evangelization of surrounding areas. At least two dozen canonized individuals had some association with “Aran of the Saints,” including Saint Brendan the Voyager, Jarlath of Tuam, Finnian of Clonard, and Saint Columba of Iona.
Saint Enda’s legacy continues to be celebrated in Ireland. He is remembered as the “patriarch of Irish monasticism” and his monastery on the Aran islands became a model for other monasteries in Ireland. Many schools, GAA clubs, and other organizations are named in his honor, including Scoil Éanna, Ballyboden St. Enda’s, and St. Enda’s GAA.
Saint Enda’s feast day is celebrated on March 21. He is venerated by the Catholic Church and is remembered for his role in establishing the first Irish monastery and his influence on the early Gaelic Church.
Saint Enda’s holy well, Tobar Éinne, is located on the Aran islands and is said to have healing powers. Locals still carry out a ceremony called Turas to the Well of Enda.
According to legend, Saint Brendan brought back a stone from his travels with an eye carved on one end and a rune on the other. The stone was said to float if placed on water and pointed to the Last Isle of the West. The stone is now carried in a small silk purse by the Abbot of the Abbey of St Enda.
PRAYERS:
O Saint Enda, warrior-turned-monk, who embraced a life of faith and devotion, we humbly turn to you today. Your journey from the battlefield to the monastery inspires us to find peace and strength in our own lives. As you founded Irish monasticism, guide us in our own spiritual journeys, helping us to discern God’s will and to live lives of service and holiness. Intercede for us, that we may find strength in times of difficulty, wisdom in times of uncertainty, and peace in our hearts. Amen.
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