St. Flannan

St. Flannan is the patron saint of the diocese of Killaloe. This diocese includes large portions of the counties of Clare and North Tipperary; it also includes smaller portions of Offaly, Laois, and Limerick. The diocesan cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul is at Ennis. Portraits of Saints Flannan and Senan accompany those of Sts. Peter and Paul in the sanctuary. St. Flannan is said to have been the son of Turlough, King of Thomond, and also St. Molua’s nephew and first disciple.  There is a story that one day, after he had been baking continuously for thirty-six hours, a heavenly light shone through the fingers of his left hand. It lit up the darkness to enable him to continue with his task. Abbot Molua, on learning of this, decided to retire from his position and appointed Flannan as abbot in his place. Flannan was noted for his hospitality and the people of Thomond agreed he should become bishop. He is said to have made a trip to Rome where he received consecration from Pope John IV (640-2). He is remembered as a powerful preacher. His feast is kept on December 18.