Died 506-514. Saint MacNisse, a disciple of Saint Olean (Bolcan?), was
said to have been baptized as an infant by Saint Patrick. After MacNisse
made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land and Rome, Patrick consecrated him the
first abbot-bishop of Kells, which became the diocese of Connor,
Ireland. His life is filled with miracles, such as changing the course
of a river for the convenience of his monks and rescuing a child about
to be executed for his father's crime by causing him to be carried by
the wind from the executioners to his arms. Various ancient lists record
different dates for his death
(
Benedictines,
Delaney,
Husenbeth,
Montague).
Troparion of St MacNis tone 8
Having learned thy faith from Ireland Enlightener, O holy MacNis,/ thou
didst found a shining beacon of the True Faith, the Monastery of Kells,/
from which was bequeathed to Christ's church a treasure of piety and
wonder, which is with us to this day./ Inspired by thine example, O
Saint, we beseech thee to intercede with Christ our God/ that we may be
given grace to
follow thee in the way of salvation.