 |
| Image: Saint Kevin and the blackbird, miniature of an Irish codex, ca. 9th or 10th cent. |
He lived in Ireland during the time when great Irish saints lived, many being his contemporaries. He was baptised by Saint Cronan and from the age of 7 years old, he was taught by Saint Petroc. He was a student of Irish monks from the age of 12, and also became a monk. His friends included many saints such as Saint Comgall, Saint Columba, Saint Cannich, and Saint Kieran. After he was ordained, he became a hermit living in the caves for seven years. He had a number of followers and he formed the monastery of Glendalough. His fame made the remote spot into a town, and then into a city. Several offshoots of monastic foundations rose around it as well. He became an abbot in Glendalough and when the monastery was well established, became a hermit again for four years. He was then called to Glendalough where he served again as an abbot until he died at 120 years old. There are a number of legends of Saint Kevin involving wild animals who obeyed him, asking him for refuge and helping him feed other people.
