St. Benignus

Saint Benignus of Armagh

Bishop & Confessor

Benignus, or Benen, was the son of an Irish chieftain in what is now County Meath. He was given his name because of his kind and gentle temperament, when he and his family were converted by the great St. Patrick in the late fourth or early fifth century. The Apostle of Ireland prophesied that Benignus would do great things and even succeed Patrick himself. Benignus indeed became Patrick’s favorite disciple and right-hand man, known as “Patrick’s Psalm-singer” for his musical talents, which helped establish the liturgical music of the early Irish Church. One story relates that a certain Irish princess fell deeply in love with the young cleric because of his beautiful chanting, but he helped her fall even deeper in love with Our Lord, and she became one of the first Irish nuns. Benignus also contributed to early Irish legal codes, and eventually became Patrick’s coadjutor bishop in the Diocese of Armagh, fulfilling his master’s prophecy. Benignus resigned his office shortly before his death in the year of Our Lord 467.

Traditional Roman Martyrology for November 9th

AT Rome, the dedication of the Basilica of our Saviour.

At Amasea, in Pontus, the birthday of St. Theodore, a soldier, in the time of the emperor Maximian. For the confession of Christ, he was severely scourged and sent to prison, where he was comforted by an apparition of our Lord, who exhorted him to act with courage and constancy. He was finally stretched on the rack, lacerated with iron hooks till his intestines were laid bare, and then cast into the flames to be burned alive. His glorious deeds have been celebrated in a magnificent oration by St. Gregory of Nyssa.

At Tyana, in Cappadocia, the martyrdom of St. Orestes, under the emperor Diocletian.

At Thessalonica, St. Alexander, martyr, during the reign of Maximian.

At Bourges, St. Ursinus, confessor, who was ordained at Rome by the successors of the apostles and appointed first bishop of that city.

At Naples, in Campania, St. Agrippinus, a bishop renowned for miracles.

At Constantinople, the holy virgins Eustolia, a native of Rome, and Sopatra, daughter of the emperor Maurice.

At Berytus, in Syria, the Commemoration of the Image of our Saviour, which being fastened to a cross by the Jews, poured out blood so copiously that the Eastern and Western Churches received abundantly of it.

℣. And elsewhere many other holy martyrs, confessors, and holy virgins.

℟. Thanks be to God.