St. Conleth was born around 450 AD in Wicklow County, Ireland. He was a hermit who lived a life of prayer and penance. While living in seclusion at Old Connell, Conleth was persuaded by St. Brigid to make sacred church chalices, crosses, and other beautiful metalwork decorations for her convent. He became Head of the Kildare School of Metalwork and Priest for St. Brigid's monastic community in Kildare. His reputation for holiness attracted many disciples.
Under the guidance of Conleth, a community of monks flourished in the art of crafting exquisite chalices and other metal objects that were essential for the Church. One of the notable metalwork products created by St. Conleth is the crozier he made for St. Finbarr of Termonbarry. Later, St. Conleth became the first bishop of Kildare, Ireland, in 490 AD. After about twenty years as bishop, Conleth went on a pilgrimage to Rome. As he was now an old man, St Brigid feared for him going on this journey.
Somewhere on the journey in Ireland, Conleth was attacked and killed by wolves. St Conleth died on May 3, 519 AD. The tradition in Kildare holds that he was buried on the left side and Saint Brigid on the right side of the altar in the cathedral in Kildare town. He is the patron saint of the parish of Newbridge, Kildare. This parish contains a bronze statue of St. Conleth by Annette McCormack carrying on his shoulders a child holding up a St. Brigid's cross.
St. Conleth, intercede for us that the Holy Spirit may empower us and that Christ may dwell in our hearts through faith.
#stconleth #saint #feastday #shalomworldprayer
Prepared and updated by:
Jonathan Fabian Ginunggil,
Penampang, Sabah Malaysia.
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