Died c. 489. The sources say that there are two bishops whose feasts
fall on the same day, both named Macaille. One was a disciple of Saint
Patrick, and the other was converted by him (though the stories do not
indicate that either was really a disciple, per se, of Patrick). One was
a disciple of Saint Mel and assisted Mel in receiving the vow of Saint
Brigid. There
is a tradition that Mel erred in using the service for the consecration
of a bishop, and that Macaille strongly protested. Saint Mel refused to
admit he was wrong and said that it was all the will of God. This
Macaille became the first bishop of Croghan, Offaly. The other,
sometimes known as Saint Maccai, was also a disciple of Saint Patrick
and is venerated on the isle of Bute.
The other Macaille, who was converted by Patrick, was an Irish prince
and captain of robbers. Upon his conversion, he became a new man by
putting on the spirit of Christ. In order to avoid the temptations of
the world, he retired to the Isle of Man (Eubonia) off the coast of
Lancashire, England. Earlier Patrick had sent his nephew, Saint
Germanus, as bishop to plant the Church on the island. Germanus was
succeeded by Saints Romulus and Conindrus during whose time Macaille
arrived on the island and began to live an austere, penitential life in
the mountainous area now named after him Saint Maughold. After their
deaths, Macaille was unanimously chosen as bishop by the Manx people.
Macaille is commemorated in both the British and Irish calendars.
In one of the 18 parish churchyards on the island can be found Saint
Maughold's well. The very clear water of the well is received in a large
stone coffin. Those seeking cures of various ailments, particularly
poisoning, are seated in the saint's chair just above the well and given
a glass of well-water to drink. Macaille's shrine was here until his
relics were scattered during the Reformation
(
Benedictines,
Encyclopaedia,
Husenbeth,
Montague).
Troparion of St Macaille
Tone 2
Thou wast a worthy companion of Ireland's Saints
and didst work with holy Patrick, Mel and Brigid.
Protect with thy prayers all who labour for the Faith
that God may be glorified,
O righteous Father Macaille.