Friday, March 16, 2012

SAINT OF THE DAY

March 16

St. Abban (d. 620)

An Irish prince, Abban was the son of King Cormac of Leinster. He is listed as the nephew of St. Ibar.

Abban founded many churches in the old district of Ui Cennselaigh, in modern County Wexford and Ferns. His main monastery is Magheranoidhe, in Adamstown, Ireland. This monastery's fame is attributed in some records to another Abban, that of New Ross. Abban is also associated with Kill-Abban Abbey in Leinster, serving as abbot there until March 16, 620.

He is revered in Adamstown, which was once called Abbanstown.