November 09: Saint Benignus

Saint Benignus of Armagh(-: 467) was the son of Sesnen, an Irish chieftain. He was the bishop of Ireland.  He was baptized by St. Patrick and became his favourite disciple. He followed his master in his travels and assisted him in his missionary labours. From his musical achievements, he was known as Patrick’s psalm-singer. Later the saint became the first rector of the Cathedral School of Armagh.

He was present at the synod that passed the canon recognizing “the See of the Apostle Peter” as the final court of appeals in difficult cases. In 433, Patrick clashed with King Laoghaire at Tara over religion. Legend reports that a trial by fire was proposed. A pagan druid and Benignus were tied inside a burning timber building, the former was reduced to ash a while Benignus was untouched, at this turning point, Christian teaching was established. Later St. Benignus resigned his coadjuorship in 467 and died the same year.

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