SAINT FINBARR OF CORK

 

Saint Finbarr /Fionnbharr of Cork
Saint Finbarr /Fionnbharr of Cork

By Edward Matulanya 

Saint Finbarr of Cork (also known as Fionnbharr, Finnbarr, or Barra) was a 6th-century Irish bishop and the patron saint of Cork, Ireland. His feast day is celebrated on 25 September.

Early Life and Education of Saint Finbarr /Fionnbharr of Cork

Saint Finbarr was born around 550 CE, likely near Bandon in County Cork, Ireland. He was the son of Amergin, a skilled metalworker. Finbarr received his education at Kilmacahil Monastery in Kilkenny, where he earned the name "Fionnbharr," meaning "fair-haired," due to his distinctive light hair. 

Monastic Life and Founding of the School of Cork

After completing his studies, Finbarr became a hermit on a small island at Gougane Barra, a scenic lake in County Cork. Seeking a more solitary life, he later founded a monastery and school at Lough Eirc, which eventually developed into the city of Cork. The name "Cork" is derived from the Irish word corcach, meaning "marsh," reflecting the area's geography. 

Finbarr's monastic school gained a reputation for learning and spirituality, attracting many students and disciples. He served as the first bishop of Cork, overseeing the spiritual and educational development of the region. 

Death and Legacy of Saint Finbarr /Fionnbharr of Cork

Saint Finbarr died on 25 September 623 CE at Cloyne, County Cork. He was buried in the cathedral he established, which became the center of the Diocese of Cork. Over time, Cork evolved from a monastic settlement into a thriving city, with Finbarr's legacy enduring as a symbol of faith and education. 

Patronage and Veneration of Saint Finbarr /Fionnbharr of Cork

Saint Finbarr is the patron saint of Cork, and his feast day is celebrated on 25 September. His life and work continue to inspire the people of Cork and beyond, reflecting the enduring impact of his faith and dedication to education.

References

Catholic Encyclopedia. (n.d.). St. Finbarr. Retrieved September 22, 2025, from https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06076a.htm

Catholic Encyclopedia. (n.d.). Diocese of Cork. Retrieved September 22, 2025, from https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/04370b.htm

Catholic Ireland. (2012, September 25). St. Finbarr (560–610), bishop, patron of the diocese of Cork. Retrieved September 22, 2025, from https://www.catholicireland.net/saintoftheday/st-finbarr-560-610-patron-of-the-diocese-of-cork/

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

FAITH OF ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH

Image
Image of Catholic Church at Vatican By Edward Matulanya Here are Meaning, believe, founder, sacraments, teaching source, Morals, source of faith, History and key teaching of Roman Catholic Church. 1. Meaning of Roman Catholic Church  The Roman Catholic Church means the universal Christian community under the leadership of the Bishop of Rome (the Pope). 2. Understand the Core Beliefs of the Roman Catholic Faith The Roman Catholic Church belief in one God in three persons ; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC], 1997, §234; Matt. 28:19). Catholics hold that Jesus Christ is true God and true man, whose incarnation, death, and resurrection bring salvation to humanity (CCC, 1997, §§461–463; John 1:14). 2. Founder of Roman Catholic Church  The Church, founded by Christ on the apostles with the pope as Peter’s successor, is “the universal sacrament of salvation” (CCC, 1997, §774; Matt. 16:18–19). Salvation is a gift of grace received through faith ...
Read more

TWELVE APOSTLES OF JESUS

Image
  Jesus Christ with twelve apostles at last feast By Edward Matulanya Here are twelve apostles chosen by Jesus, celebration of Eucharist, their mission, their succession, their liturgical Celebration a summary of their lives.  The Catholic Church teaches that Jesus personally chose and appointed the Twelve to share in His mission and to lay the foundation of the Church. Twelve apostles chosen by Jesus  Jesus called his disciples, and chose twelve of them, whom he also named apostles (Luke 6:13, NABRE). They were to be with Him, to preach, and to have authority to drive out demons (Mark 3:13-19). Celebration of Eucharist At the Last Supper He conferred on them a share in His priesthood and the command to celebrate the Eucharist (Luke 22:19–20; Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC], 1994/2019, §§859–860). Catholics hold that this apostolic ministry continues through apostolic succession, with bishops as the successors of the apostles (CCC §§861–862). The Role of Jesus’ Ap...
Read more

SAINT JOSEPH OF CUPERTINO

Image
Saint Joseph of Cupertino  By Edward Matulanya Early life of Saint Joseph of Cupertino St. Joseph of Cupertino was born June 17, 1603, in Cupertino, Apulia (southern Italy). Orphaned before birth and raised in poverty, he struggled with learning and was considered slow by his peers. After repeated rejections from religious communities, he was eventually accepted as a servant by the Conventual Franciscans and later admitted as a friar. Vocational life of Saint Joseph of Cupertino  Despite his lack of education, Joseph was ordained a priest in 1628 after a providentially simple examination. He became famous for extraordinary mystical phenomena, especially levitation during ecstatic prayer. These events attracted large crowds and even the attention of the Inquisition, though he was never condemned. Because the public excitement disrupted community life, Joseph spent much of his later years in seclusion, devoted to humility and prayer. He died on September 18, 1663, in Osimo, Ital...
Read more