Saint Finnian of Clonard

Finnian was born in Leinster, Ireland, in the late 5th century and, according to tradition, studied in Wales before returning home. Around 520 he founded a monastery at Clonard, in County Meath, which grew into a great school where thousands of students are said to have learned Scripture and the monastic life. Among his disciples were the famous "Twelve Apostles of Ireland," including Saint Columba, Saint Brendan and Saint Ciarán of Clonmacnoise. He died around 549, probably during a great plague.

He is honored as the "teacher of the saints of Ireland," and the modern church at Clonard keeps his memory.