Saint Aedan of Ferns

Also known as

• Aeddan Foeddog
• Aedh-og
• Aidan
• Aidus
• Edan
• Hugh
• Maedoc
• Maidoc
• Maodhóg
• Mo-Aedh-og (= my dear Aedh)
• Moedhog
• Mogue

Memorial

• 31 January

Profile

Son of Eithne and Sedna, chief of Connaught. A widespread reputation for sanctity brought him potential disciples in his youth; he fled to Kilmuine, Wales to escape them. He became one of Saint David‘s most faithful disciples. He returned to Ireland in 580 with a band of disciples, including Saint Caillan and settled at Brentrocht, Leinster. Founded 30 churches and several monasteries in that district, the greatest being Ferns in Wexford, built on land given him by Brandubh, King of Leinster. First bishop of Ferns c.598; the episcopal seat of Ferns is now at Enniscorthy, where there is a beautiful cathedral dedicated to Aedan. Miracle worker. Late in life he retired to live as a prayerful monk.

Born

• c.550 at Inisbrefny, Templeport, County Cavan, Ireland

Died

• 31 January 632 at Ferns, Ireland of natural causes

Canonized

• Pre-Congregation

Patronage

• Ferns, Ireland, diocese of
• Wexford, Ireland

Storefront

• medals and pendants

Additional Information

• Battersby’s Registry for the Whole World
• Book of Saints, by the Monks of Ramsgate
• Catholic Encyclopedia
• Catholic Online
• Lives of the Saints, by Father Alban Butler
• New Catholic Dictionary: Saint Aedan
• New Catholic Dictionary: diocese of Ferns, Ireland
• Our Sunday Visitor’s Encyclopedia of Saints

MLA Citation

• “Saint Aedan of Ferns“. Saints.SQPN.com. 5 April 2013. Web. 19 May 2013. <>