Saint Macartan

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Saint Macartan
Feast Day	March 24
Liturgical Class
Patronage	Clogher, Diocese of Clogher
Birthplace	Munster, Ireland
Death Place	Clogher, Tyrone, Ireland
Cause of Death	Natural Causes
Primary Shrine	St. Macartan's Cathedral, Clogher, Ireland

Saint Macartan, also known as Aedh Mac Cairthinn or Macartan, is one of the earliest Christian saints in Ireland, recognized as the first Bishop of Clogher. Born in Munster, he was converted to Christianity by Saint Patrick and became one of his closest companions, known for his strength and dedication, earning him the title "Threin Fhir" or "Strong Man" of Patrick. Macartan was instrumental in spreading Christianity in the regions of Tyrone and Fermanagh, establishing the see of Clogher. His life is marked by his support for Patrick, particularly when he carried Patrick over rough terrain, and his role in founding one of Ireland's oldest dioceses.

Biography

Birth

Macartan was born in the early 5th century in the region of Munster, Ireland.

Early Life

Details of his early life are sparse, but he was known by the name Aidus before his conversion.

Occupation

Before his religious life, he was likely involved in local governance or military activity, typical for someone of his social standing in pre-Christian Ireland.

Vocation

Converted by Saint Patrick, he became a priest and later the first Bishop of Clogher, dedicating his life to missionary work and church establishment.

Death

Saint Macartan met his end peacefully from natural causes in 506 in Clogher, Tyrone, Ireland.

Significant events

• Converted to Christianity by Saint Patrick, becoming one of his first and most loyal disciples.
• Assisted Saint Patrick by carrying him over difficult terrains during missionary journeys.
• Founded the see of Clogher, which significantly contributed to the spread of Christianity in Ireland.

Significant locations

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Legend

• Birth location: Munster, Ireland
• Death location: Clogher, Tyrone, Ireland
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Parishes

Saint Macartan
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Canonization

Servant of God

Macartan's recognition as a saint was traditional, based on his association with Saint Patrick and his contributions to early Christianity in Ireland.

Venerable

Not applicable as this title was formalized later.

Beatification

Not formally beatified; his sanctity was recognized through historical veneration.

Canonization

He is traditionally recognized as a saint without a formal canonization process.

Miracles

No specific miracles are documented for his canonization as his sanctity was based on his life and legacy:

Miracle for beatification

Not applicable.

Miracle for canonization

Not applicable.

Other notable miracles

- His support for Patrick, particularly the story of carrying him, is sometimes considered miraculous in its dedication.

Patronage

Saint Macartan is the patron saint of the Diocese of Clogher, particularly venerated in the areas of Clogher, Tyrone, and Fermanagh.

Feast day

His feast day is celebrated on March 24.

Veneration

Macartan is venerated in Clogher, where his cathedral stands as a testament to his work. His relics, including the "Domnach Airgid," a reliquary associated with Saint Patrick, are significant, though their current location is somewhat uncertain. His life has inspired devotion in the local Christian community, emphasizing his role in the early Christianization of Ireland.

Books

Written about the saint

• Limited historical texts mention him, mainly in the context of Saint Patrick's mission in Ireland.

Written by the saint

No known writings by Saint Macartan exist.

External links

• [No specific links due to his ancient veneration, but general sources on Irish saints might reference him.]