Mobhí

Mobhí Clárainech (also Berchan; died 544) was an Irish early monastic saint, counted as one of the Twelve Apostles of Ireland. He was the abbot of a monastery in Glasnevin, where he was a teacher of Columba, Canice, Comgall, and Ciarán.

Background In John Colgan's work Trias Thaumaturga he is called "Berchan, that is, Mobhi Clairenach, of Glasnevin, son of Beoain, son of Bresal, son of Ailgin, son of Ignaidh, son of Athraid and Lugnaidh, Trinog, son of Brecdulb, son of Airt Corp, son of Caerbreniadh, in Glasnevin, in the territory of Galeny, near the River Liffey" (in regione Gallangabeg juxta Liffeum flumen). He was a relative of Brigit of Kildare.

Life His surname, clárainech, means "flat-faced" in Irish, a reference to his being born without eyes or a nose. The Martyrology of Oengus mentions that he was "table faced," ascribing the condition to the fact that he had been "conceived and brought forth, and of a dead woman he was begotten." He died on 12 October 544 of the plague that had broken up his school.

Veneration Mobhí was recognised as a saint by his own pupils soon after his death. The 17th-century Martyrology of Donegal recounts the story that when Columba was preparing to take possession of the town of Doire from Aedh, son of Ainmire, he initially refused to do so because he did not have his Mobhí's permission. It was only when two of Mobhí's followers met him, carrying his girdle, and informed Columba that Mobhí was dead, that he accepted. Columba then remarked, "Good was the man who had this girdle, for it was never opened for gluttony, nor closed on falsehood". Columba later expanded that sentiment into a quatrain:

quote|Mobhi's girdle, [Mobhi's girdle],The girdle was not closed upon bravery of dress;It was not opened for satiety,It was not closed on a lie. and today there is a Church of Ireland parish in Glasnevin named for Saint Mobhí.

Martyrologies The Martyrology of Oengus —the earliest Irish calendar of saints—lists the following on 12 October:

quote|Declare Fiacc and Fiachreat the same time, great is that treasure!Mobí, strong that triumph!That fair flat-faced one.