Saint Mel of Ardagh

Memorial: 6 February
Profile: Son of Conis and Darerca, one of nineteen children; legend says that all of them entered religious life. Brother of Saint Melchu. Nephew of Saint Patrick. Travelled with Patrick and helped evangelize Ireland. Ordained bishop of Ardagh by Patrick. Reputed to have professed Saint Brigid of Ireland as a nun. He supported himself by working with his hands, and gave to the poor anything beyond the bare minimum.

Because Mel lived with his aunt, Lupait, and helped on her farm, slanderous gossip developed about their relationship. Patrick came to investigate. To prove that God was on their side, Mel and Lupait each prayed for help and then performed a miracle - Mel plowed up a live fish from the farm land, and Lupait packed around live coal without being burned.
Born: Great Britain
Died: c.489 of natural causes
Canonized: Pre-Congregation
Patronage: diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnois, Ireland
Additional Information: All Saints Parish
Book of Saints, by the Monks of Ramsgate
Catholic Online
For All The Saints
New Catholic Dictionary
Our Sunday Visitor's Encyclopedia of Saints, by Matthew Bunson, Margaret Bunson, and Stephen Bunson
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