17 Facts About Saint Malachy

Saint Malachy's brother was Gilla Crist Ua Morgair, who was Bishop Christian of Clogher from 1126 to 1138.

Saint Malachy was baptized Mael Maedoc, meaning 'devotee or servant' of Maedoc which was rendered Malachus in Latin and was trained under the famous recluse Imhar O'Hagan, subsequently Abbot of Armagh.

Imhar was in sympathy with the aims of those who sought to reform the Irish church, and it was probably through his influence that Malachy became imbued with their principles.

Saint Malachy established in all the churches the apostolic sanctions and the decrees of the holy fathers, and the customs and practices of the Roman Church.

In 1124 Saint Malachy journeyed to Bangor, was installed as abbot, and was made bishop by Cellach.

In 1127, Saint Malachy paid a second visit to Lismore and acted for a time as confessor to Cormac MacCarthy, Prince of Desmond.

Saint Malachy worked zealously to restore ecclesiastical discipline, restored marriage, renewed the practices of confession and confirmation, and introduced Roman chants in the liturgy.

Saint Malachy was known for his care to the needy as a miracle worker and healer.

Bernard continues: Having extirpated barbarism and re-established Christian morals, and seeing all things tranquil, Saint Malachy began to think of his own peace.

Saint Malachy founded a priory of Austin Canons at Downpatrick, and was unceasing in his episcopal labours.

Saint Malachy petitioned Pope Innocent II for pallia for the Sees of Armagh and Cashel, and was appointed legate for Ireland.

Charles Borromeo praised Saint Malachy for attending to the needy, bringing the holy sacraments to all alike and renewing the fervour of the people in receiving them.

Saint Malachy founded a large number of churches and colleges, as many as forty-four in all, endowed them with land and rents and so allowed many men of religion to serve God devotedly, although he hardly retained enough for himself to live on.

Saint Malachy's body remained at Clairvaux Abbey and eventually was placed in a tomb near Bernard of Clairvaux's, after the abbot's own death.

Saint Malachy's arm was kept in a silver case decorated with precious stones.

Saint Malachy's head is preserved in a reliquary in the treasury of Troyes Cathedral, not far from the site of Clairvaux.

However, the Irish Famine broke out and the grand plans for Saint Malachy's Cathedral were shelved to divert funds to the needy.