Benignus of Armagh

His foundation of Kilbennan in East Galway, close to Tuam, made him the patron of Connacht. Benán (Benignus of Armagh) (died 467) was the son of Sesenen, an Irish chieftain in the part of Ireland that is now called County Meath.

Life He was baptised into the Christian faith by Saint Patrick, and became his favourite disciple and his coadjutor in the Diocese of Armagh around AD 450. His gentle disposition suggested the name Benen, which was Latinised as Benignus.

He followed his master in his travels and assisted him in his missionary labours, helping in the formation of choral services. His family may have belonged to the bardic order.

He was present at the synod that passed the canon recognising "the See Of the Apostle Peter" as the final court of appeals in difficult cases. This canon is to be found in the Book of Armagh. Benignus resigned his coadjutorship in 467 and died the same year. His feast is celebrated on 9 November. He stayed with an Irish Chieftain, Sesenen's family, who were immediately baptized. The Vita tripartita Sancti Patricii (Tripartite Life of Saint Patrick) recounts a story of Sesenen's young son of seven years, Benén, placing flowers on the sleeping Saint Patrick. Benén was scolded, but Patrick saw signs of future sanctity and potential in the boy, having a prophetic vision that Benignus would succeed him and be a great bishop and successor. Benén was immediately attached to the saint, and upon his leaving begged to accompany him. Saint Patrick gave him the Latin name Benignus and brought him along, proclaiming Benignus his heir.

The Deer's Cry In 433, Patrick clashed with King Laoghaire at Tara over religion. He ignited a Paschal Fire on the hill of Slane and violated an injunction against fires for the Feast of Tara. The druids advised Laoghaire that unless the fire were put out before midnight, it would burn forever. Laoghaire sought him to kill him, but Patrick prayed and routed the attackers, with Laoghaire making a false peace with him. Later, Laoghaire requested Patrick's presence and planned an ambush. Patrick blessed his company with "Saint Patrick's Breastplate", a Lorica. Under cloak of darkness, they went to Tara, and those waiting in ambush saw only eight deer and a fawn with a bundle on its back pass by. The eight deer were Patrick and his clerics, and the fawn was Benignus with Patrick's Epistolary on his back. The former was reduced to ash, leaving behind Patrick's chasuble. Benignus was untouched, though the druid's cloak was burnt. At this turning point, Christian teaching was established.