6th century. About 522, Modan, son of an Irish chieftain, professed
himself at Dryburgh Abbey near Mailros, Scotland. Being persuaded that a
Christian grows in holiness only by spending time with God, he gave six
or seven hours daily to prayer and seasoned all his other activities
with more prayer. A spirit of prayer is founded in the purity of the
affections, the fruit of self-denial, humility, and obedience.
Therefore, Modan practised austerity to crucify his flesh and senses. He
practised humility by subjecting his will so swiftly and cheerfully to
that of his superiors that they unanimously declared they never saw any
one so perfectly divested of all self-will as was Modan.
He became abbot of Dryburgh and proved the maxim that no man can govern
others well unless he masters the art of obedience himself. He was
inflexible in maintaining discipline, but did so with winning sweetness
and charity. His prudence in providing instruction or reproof gave
pleasure, gained hearts, inspired love, and communicated the spirit of
every duty.
He also preached the faith at Stirling and other places near Forth,
especially, Falkirk, but frequently interrupted his apostolic
employments to retire among the craggy mountains of Dumbarton, where he
usually spent 30-40 days at once in prayer. He died at Alcluid (later
called Dunbritton, now Dumbarton) where he is venerated
(
Benedictines,
Husenbeth).