School: Christian Brothers, Athlone
- Location:
- Athlone, Co. Westmeath
- Teacher: Brother Meskill
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The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0749, Page 259
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- XML School: Christian Brothers, Athlone
- XML Page 259
- XML “Glories of Famed Clonmacnoise - Its Influence at Home and Abroad - The Ruins Described”
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“St. Ciaran only lived some months after the erection of his monastery, the foundation pole of which was placed by himself and Siarmuid, the exiled prince...”
St. Ciaran only lived some months after the erection of his monastery, the foundation pole of which was placed by himself and Diarmuid, the exiled prince, and afterwards Ard-Ri and loyal friend of Clonmacnoise. The story of the setting down of the first pole, and the prophecy of St. Ciaran regarding Diarmuid's future greatness (Ard-Ri of Ireland), has already been related. The story is beautifully illustrated on one of the stained-glass windows in St. Mary's Catholic Church in Athlone, and its significance will be easily recognized by those who have seen the "Cross of the Scriptures" ad Clonmacnoise.
Many centuries after St. Ciaran was laid to rest in his own little church, Clonmacnoise still lived on. Her learning was proverbial,and in the discussion on the Easter Question, the adherence of Clonmacnoise to the Roman discipline shows, not only the link between religion in Ireland and Rome, but also the firmness and learning which guided the decision of its abbots in favour of Rome.
Clonmacnoise grew from year to year, not only in fame and sanctity, but also in wealth, for it was patronised by royalty in every land. Kings esteemed it an honour to build its walls with their royal hands (Diarmuid). The Emperor Charlemagne bestowed rich presents on it. The chiefs and kings of Ireland, among them Guaire of Connaught (afterwards buried there) bestowed their gifts on it, until its treasures were the wonder of many lands. The nobility of Ireland, desirous of a resting place near the saintly Ciaran, had, long before their deaths, mortuary chapels or churches erected in the vicinity of his church, and thus we have to the present day the traces of a group of churches, commonly called "The Seven Churches of Clonmacnoise."