Born in Ulster Province, Moninne was the daughter of Machta, a high chief of Ulaid. Tradition says that she was baptized as a child and also later confirmed by Saint Patrick himself. It is said that he predicted that her name would be remembered forever. Perhaps because of this prediction, she chose a religious life, and was raised in the faith by Brigid of Kildare. Some say that when the time came, she was “veiled” by Patrick.

Moninne first founded a religious community with “eight virgins and a widow with a baby boy” in Ulster. The community lived a monastic life for a time, but then decided that they needed more guidance. So Moninne and the sisters went for advice and training to her uncle: Ibar, Bishop of Begerin. In time, the group returned north, eventually settling at Killeavy, back in Ulster. The boy was raised by the sisters and grew up to become a bishop; and their community grew into a great monastic institution.

Moninne founded a number of convents and monasteries in the north of Ireland, and even in Scotland and then England. She founded a church in honor of her mentor, Saint Brigid. She was known for her purity and piety, which inspired many to join the establishments she was founding.

Not a lot is known about Moninnne. But she represents a transition in Irish history, as the new faith became firmly established in Ireland, and so the first tentative steps reached outward beyond their home island. They were going back into what had been the western Roman Empire to bring the Christian faith to the barbarians who had conquered it. Columba, who we will look at next, brought this effort to a higher level.

She also represents the egalitarian nature of the Irish church at that time. There was nothing unusual for a woman with faith, energy, and obviously some great connections, to set out to found churches and monasteries. She was considered the equal of her male counterparts, working together towards a common goal.

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Historic Characters in Banish the Snakes: Palladius

Historic Characters in Banish the Snakes: Patrick

Historic Characters in Banish the Snakes: Auxilius

Historic Characters in Banish the Snakes: Ciarán

Historic Characters in Banish the Snakes: Iserninus

Historic Characters in Banish the Snakes: Secundinus

Historic Characters in Banish the Snakes: Brigid

Historic Characters in Banish the Snakes: Finnian

Historic Characters in Banish the Snakes: Ibar

Historic Characters in Banish the Snakes: Brendan