Saint of the Day: St. Maughold

Bishop (d. ca. 489)

His life

+ Maughold (who is also known as Macaille, Maccaldus, and Macc Cuill, among other names) was a local prince and pirate who was converted to the Christian Faith by Saint Patrick.

+ As penance for his past crimes, he left his homeland in a wicker boat and was guided to the Isle of Man where two of Patrick’s disciples, Romulus and Conindri, were serving as missionaries. Maughold lived as a hermit and was later chosen to succeed Romulus and Conindri as regional bishop.

+ Saint Maughold died around the year 489 and he is honored as the patron saint of the Isle of Man.

For prayer and reflection

“Therefore my people shall know my name

on that day, that it is I who speaks: Here I am!

How beautiful upon the mountains

are the feet of the one bringing good news,

announcing peace, bearing good news,

announcing salvation, saying to Zion,

‘Your God is King!’”—Isaiah 52:6-7

Spiritual bonus

On April 27 we also remember Saint Zita. A laywoman who worked as a servant in Lucca, Italy, she is honored as the patron saint of domestic workers. Saint Zita died in 1272 and was canonized in 1696.

Prayer

Almighty ever-living God, who chose blessed Maughold to preside as Bishop over your holy people, we pray that, by his merits, you may bestow on us the grace of your loving kindness. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.

(from The Roman Missal: Common of Pastors—For a Bishop)

Saint profiles prepared by Brother Silas Henderson, S.D.S.