Saint Malachy - The life & times
St. Malachy, whose family name was O'Morgair, was born in Armagh in 1094. St. Bernard
describes him as of noble birth. He was baptized Maelmhaedhoc (a name which has
been Latinized as Malchy) and was trained under Imhar O'Hagan, subsequently Abbot
of Armagh. After a long course of studies he ws ordained priest by St. Cellach (Celsus)
in 1119. In order to perfect himself in sacred liturgy and theology, he proceeded
to Lismore, where he spent nearly two years under St. Malchus. He was then chosen
Abbot of Bangor, in 1123. A year later, he was consecrated Bishop of Connor, and,
in 1132, he was promoted to the primacy of Armagh. St. Bernard gives us many interesting
anecdotes regarding St. Malachy, and highly praises his zeal for religion both in
Connor and Armagh. In 1127 he paid a second visit to Lismore and acted for a time
as confessor to Cormac MacCarthy, Prince of Desmond. While Bishop of Connor he continued
toeside at Bangor, and when some of the native princes sacked Connor, he brought
the Bangor monks to Iveragh, County Kerry, where they were welcomed by King Cormac.
On the death of St. Celsus (who was buried at Lismore in 1129), St. Malachy was
appointed Archbishop of Armagh, 1132, which dignity he accepted with great reluctance.
Owing to intrigues, he was unable to take possession of his see for two years; even
then he had to purchase the Bachal Isu (Staff of Jesus) from Niall, the usurping
lay-primate.
During three years at Armagh, as St. Bernard writes, St. Malachy restored the discipline
of the Church, grown lax during the intruded rule of a series of lay-abbots, and
had the Roman Liturgy adopted. St. Bernard continues: Having extirpated barbarism
and re-established Christian morals, seeing all things tranquil he began to think
of his own peace. He therefore resigned Armaagh, in 1138, and returned to Connor,
dividing the see into Down and Connor, retaining the former. He founded a priory
of Austin Canons at Downpatrick, and was unceasing in his episcoapl labours. Early
in 1139 he journeyed to Rome, via Scotland, England, and France, visiting St. Bernard
at Clairvaux. He petitioned Pope Innocent for palliums for the Sees of Armagh and
Cashel, and was appointed legate for Ireland. On his return visit to Clairvaux he
obtained five monks for a foundation in Ireland, under Chirstian, an Irishman, as
superior: thus arose the great Abbey of Mellifont in 1142. St Malachy set out on
a second journey to Rome in 1148, but on arriving at Clairvaux he fell sick, and
died in the arms of St. Bernard, on 2 November. Numerous miracles are recorded of
him, and he was also endowed with the gift of prophecy. St. Malachy was canonized
by Pope Clement (III), on 6 July, 1199, and his feast is celebrated on 3 November,
in order not to clash with the Feast of All Souls.
An account of the relics of St. Malachy will be found in Migne, Patrologiae cursus
completus, CLXXXV. For a discussion of the prophecies concerning the popes, known
as St. Malachy's Prophecies, the reader is referred to the article
PROPHECIES.
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