St. Mel of Ardagh was the son of Chonis and St Patrick's sister, Darerca. St. Darerca was known as the "mother of saints" because most of her children entered religious life; some were later recognized as saints, and some became bishops. Mél and his brothers Melchu, Munis, and Rioch accompanied their uncle Patrick to Ireland and helped him with his missionary work there. After St Patrick built the church at Ardagh, he appointed Mel as Bishop of Ardagh.
According to St. Brigid, Mel is said to have had no fixed see for most of his life in ministry, which fits with other accounts of his being a traveling missionary and evangelist. Acting upon the apostolic precept, Mél supported himself by working with his hands; what he gained beyond bare necessities, he gave to the poor. He is the patron saint of the combined diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnois. St Mel died in AD 487.
St. Mel of Ardagh, obtain for us the grace to lead a zealous missionary life.
Jonathan Fabian Ginunggil,
Most High Servant,
Jesus, Mary, Joseph Ministry of Love
(Blessed and Saints and the Nine Choirs of Angels)
Most High Servant,
Jesus, Mary, Joseph Ministry of Love
(Blessed and Saints and the Nine Choirs of Angels)
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