Image of St. Abigail

St. Abigail

A Visionary Of Ireland

Saint Facts

Origin:
Ireland
Gender:
Female
Vocation:
Unknown
Birth:
Unknown
Feast Day:
Feb 11
Death:
Unknown

Saint Details

St. Abigail, more commonly known as St. Gobnait or Deborah, was a medieval Irish saint born in County Clare, Ireland, during the 5th or 6th century. Her life is marked by a journey away from family feuds, initially taking refuge on Inis Oírr in the Aran Islands. An angel's appearance directed her to find a place marked by nine white deer, which she discovered in Ballyvourney, County Cork. There, she dedicated her life to pastoral work and founded a convent with the assistance of her brother, St. Abban, who appointed her as abbess. St. Abigail is renowned for her care of the sick and her role as a beekeeper, using honey for healing. Her feast day is celebrated on February 11. Although the exact details of her canonization are not documented, her legacy as the patron saint of honeybees and beekeepers has endured. Her story is intertwined with local traditions and is celebrated in several locations, including Inis Oírr, Dún Chaoin in West Kerry, and Ballyvourney. Despite the lack of detailed historical records, St. Abigail's impact on Irish religious history remains significant, with her convent and legacy continuing to inspire devotion.

Associated Holy Sites

Image of St Gobnait's Cemetery

St Gobnait's Cemetery

5 Bruch An t'Sulain, Glebe, Co. Cork, Ireland

Details for: St Gobnait's Cemetery

St Gobnaits Cemetery, located in Ballyvourney, County Cork, Ireland, is a sacred site associated with Saint Gobnait, a revered 6th-century Irish saint. Known for her deep faith and acts of healing, Saint Gobnait is celebrated for her connection to bees and her role as a protector of the local community. The cemetery is believed to be her final resting place, making it a significant pilgrimage destination for those seeking spiritual solace and connection to Irish Christian heritage. Pilgrims visit the site to honor her memory, pray for healing, and reflect on her legacy of compassion and service. The cemetery is part of a larger pilgrimage route that includes a holy well and a medieval church ruin, offering visitors a profound sense of history and devotion. Its tranquil setting and spiritual significance continue to draw both locals and international pilgrims.

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