Born in Donegal, Ireland; died 1088. The noble MacRobartaigh family is
related to the O'Donnels, who were the hereditary keepers of the Cathach
(Battle Book of Colmcille). In 1067, Muirdach set out with some
companions on a pilgrimage to Rome. En route he was induced to become a
Benedictine at Michelsberg Abbey (near Bamberg), Germany. The pilgrims
stopped to rest at a hostel maintained by the local convent. Its abbess,
Emma, learned that Muirdach was extraordinarily gifted at producing
manuscripts. Using the seemingly irresistible powers of persuasion that
all nuns seem to have, he took up her suggestion and migrated to Upper
Minster at Regensburg to create the literary treasures of Saint Peter's
Church in Regensburg. The most famous of these are the Pauline Epistles
that now reside in the Imperial Library at Vienna, Austria. The quality
and quantity of his artful productions, which appear inspired by the
Holy Spirit gained for him a reputation for
sanctity.
In 1078, he founded and became the abbot of the abbey of Saint Peter in
Regensburg. Having successfully taken charge of the church and abbey
attached to it for the task of copying manuscripts, other Irish monks
were attracted to the mission. The abbey expanded to the point that,
within 10 years, plans were made for another such monastery. In this
way, Muirdach originated the congregation of 12 "Scottish," that is,
Irish monasteries in southern Germany. (The reason for the term
"Scottish" is that it was used from the time of the Romans for the
Irish. Even 200 years after the establishment of the Scottish monarchy,
the term was commonly used for things Irish.
Saint James Abbey, like the ones to follow, was established with funds
sent from Ireland. They retained the character and enjoyed privileges
normally granted to Irish monasteries.
[St. Muirdach's life straddles the Great Schism which cleft Christendom
in two]