November 9
Saint Benignus of Armagh
“Patrick’s Psalm Singer”
Bishop
(392 – 467)
“Don’t send him away. He’s a good boy. It may be that he will yet do wonderful things for the Church.”
Saint Patrick’s response to what Saint Benignus of Armagh did
Coming November 1, 2024 on Amazon
Saint’s Life Story
His Early Life
Benignus (latinized version of Benen) was born around 392 to the Irish pagan chieftain, Sesenen, in County Meath, Ireland. He grew up in the district around Duleek. Saint Patrick had met him in County Meath, where he had stayed at the home of his father. In his childhood, Benignus and his family were converted and baptized by Saint Patrick. Benignus was so enraptured by him and his work that he asked Saint Patrick if he could accompany him on his travels as a missionary. He became one of his most devoted disciples, supporting him in spreading the Christian faith throughout Ireland.
The story is told that Benignus worshipped Saint Patrick as a hero. He had heard the tale of the great saint’s chariot driver laying down his life to save Patrick. He was in awe, but too young to do much. So when after baptizing Benignus, Patrick fell into an exhausted sleep in a quiet corner of the family’s garden. Benignus wondered what he could do to honor the saint. He noticed the dust of the road on Saint Patrick’s clothes was attracting insects, so he scattered some strongly scented flowers over the sleeping man. When the boy was chastised for doing this, Saint Patrick responded: “Don’t send him away. He’s a good boy. It may be that he will yet do wonderful things for the Church.”
“Patrick’s Psalm-Singer”
As Benignus matured, he became Patrick’s confidant and right-hand man, learning how to teach and preach the faith. Benignus spread the Good News by evangelizing in Clare, Kerry, and Connaught. He also took on the responsibility of being the abbot of the abbey in Drumlease for 20 years. Benignus is known for his gentleness, charm, and beautiful singing voice.
Benignus was celebrated for his singing voice. With his gift, he sang in the church choir and arranged liturgical music, singing in every Mass said by Saint Patrick. He was called “Patrick’s Psalm-Singer.”
Coadjutor and Bishop of Ireland
In 455, Benignus succeeded Saint Patrick’s nephew Sechnall as coadjutor in the see of Armagh and became the first rector of the Cathedral School of Armagh. Upon Saint Patrick’s death, Benignus followed in his footsteps as bishop of Ireland. He took on the responsibility of leading and shepherding the Church in Ireland, continuing the great work that Patrick had initiated. As bishop, Benignus played a pivotal role in maintaining and spreading the Christian faith in Ireland, overseeing the growth of the Church and ensuring its stability in challenging times.
His Works
Benignus is said not only to have assisted in compiling the great Irish code of Laws, but also that he contributed materials for the “Psalter of Cashel”, and the “Book of Rights”. He played a crucial role in assembling and preserving this essential legal document, which governed Irish society for centuries. During the synod that recognized “the See of the Apostle Peter” in Rome as the final court of appeal in challenging cases, Benignus was present. This synod acknowledged the authority of the Pope, further solidifying the connection between the Irish church and the wider Catholic community.
Legends
The story is told that once on an Easter Sunday when Saint Patrick, his eight companions, and the boy Benignus were going from Slane to Tara to confront King Laoghaire, they were miraculously turned into deer and so avoided the attempts of the king’s guards to intercept them in route. The fawn in the rear, according to the legend, was Benignus. The Tripartite Life tells it this way:
“Patrick went with eight young clerics and Benen as a gillie with them, and Patrick gave them his blessing before they set out. A cloak of darkness went over them so that not a man of them appeared. Howbeit, the enemy who were waiting to ambush them, saw eight deer going past them, and behind them a fawn with a bundle on its back. That was Patrick with his eight, and Benen behind them with his tablets on his back.”
In 433, Patrick clashed with King Laoghaire at Tara over religion. According to another legend, a trial by fire was proposed by King Laoghaire. So, a pagan druid and Benignus were tied inside a burning timber building, the former was reduced to ash while Benignus was untouched. At this point, Christian teaching was established throughout the region.
His Death
Benignus worked unceasingly until about the last year of his life. Benignus resigned his bishophoric in 467 and died the same year in Ireland.
Born: Around 392 in County Meath, Ireland
Died: 467 (exact date unknown) in Ireland
Beatified: Pre-Congregation
Canonized: Pre-Congregation
Feast Day: November 9
Reflection
Despite his close relationship with Saint Patrick, Saint Benignus of Armagh is remembered for his humility. He did not seek glory or recognition for himself. but was content to work in the background, supporting Saint Patrick and helping to establish the Church in Ireland. His humility allowed him to be a vessel of God’s grace, contributing significantly to the foundation of the Christian faith in Ireland without seeking personal acclaim. As the first successor to Saint Patrick as the Bishop of Armagh, Saint Benignus carried forward the mission of evangelization, ensuring that the seeds planted by Saint Patrick would continue to grow and flourish.
How can you serve others humbly today planting seeds of faith, placing God’s will above your personal ambition?
Prayers
Saint Benignus of Armagh,
You who dedicated your life to spreading the Gospel and nurturing the early Church in Ireland as a faithful disciple of Saint Patrick and humble servant of Christ,.
Intercede for us that we may grow in faith and that our hearts may be filled with the joy of serving others.
Help us to embrace our own calling with humility and to contribute to the work of the Church in whatever way God wills.
You who composed hymns of praise to God, fill our hearts with a spirit of worship and gratitude.
May we, like you, use our gifts to glorify God and to bring others closer to His love.
We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever.
Saint Benignus of Armagh, pray for us. Amen.
Saint Links
Catholic Online – St. Benignus
CatholicSaints.Info – Saints of the Day – Benen of Ireland – by Katherine I Rabenstein
CatholicSaints.Info – The Saints of Erin – Saint Benignus, by J P O’Callaghan, B.A.
Editions Magnificant – Saint Benen (or Benignus) Bishop and Confessor († 467)
New Advent – Grattan-Flood, W. (1907). St. Benignus. In The Catholic Encyclopedia
Newman Ministry – Saint Benignus
Rev Alban Butler’s Lives Of The Saints Complete Edition – St Benignus or Benen, Bishop
Saint Mary’s Press – Saint Benen (d.467)
Video Link
November 9th St. Benignus | The Saint of the Day Podcast – YouTube (Good Catholic)