Brendan of Birr

Saint Brendan of Birr, also called Brendan the Elder, was abbot of the monastery of Birr in Ireland in the sixth century and one of the Twelve Apostles of Ireland. He reposed on 29 November, in 571 or 573.

He is said to have been of a noble Munster family. He studied at the monastic school of Clonard under Saint Finian, and there he became friends with Saint Ciaran of Saigir and with Brendan of Clonfert the Navigator. Around 540 he founded the monastery of Birr in central Ireland. The early writings show him as a hospitable man with a reputation for holiness and a gift for judging character; he was reckoned one of the prophets of Ireland. He was a friend and supporter of Saint Columba: at the synod of Meltown, where Columba was tried over the battle of Cúl Dreimhne in 561, Brendan spoke on his behalf, and the assembly sentenced him to exile rather than excommunication. It is told that Columba saw Brendan's soul carried to heaven by angels at the moment of his repose and ordered a Liturgy in his memory. The monastery of Birr later produced the MacRegol Gospels, now kept at Oxford.

He is a saint of the undivided Church and is commemorated on 29 November (New Calendar).