WHO WAS SAINT MACARTAN?

• Macartan was a convert from paganism and companion of Saint Patrick.


• He established the church in Clogher and spread the Gospel in Tyrone and Fermanagh.


• He was known as the strong man of Patrick. It is said that when Patrick became worn out by his labours Macartan would sometimes carry him on his broad shoulders over rough ground.


• He was the uncle of Saint Brigid.


• He was said to be made bishop of Clogher by Patrick himself in the year 454.


• He died in the year 506 from natural causes.


• The two cathedrals of Clogher Diocese are named after him, albeit with different spellings:
  St Macartan's, Clogher and St Macartin's, Enniskillen.


• St Macartan's Day is celebrated on March 24th.

The Collect of St Macartan's Day
Heavenly Father,
we thank you for Macartan, faithful companion of Saint Patrick,
and builder of your church in Clogher:
Build up your church through those whom you call to leadership
in this generation,
and strengthen your church to proclaim the gospel
of reconciliation and peace;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.