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medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture >From: Phyllis Jestice <[log in to unmask]> >Natalis (6th cent.) Natalis was an Irish monk. He worked with Columcille, >and is claimed as the founder of monasticism in northern Ireland. I don't think any saint can be accurately identified as *the* founder of monasticism anywhere in Ireland. Many of the earliest saints are associated with monasteries, but it's difficult ot be sure how many of them were historical figures. There are at least two, possibly three, early figures named Naile. One was the founder of Kilnamanagh in Co. Kilkenny (located in the south of Ireland). This saint is associated with Senan, the founder of Iniscathaig (Scattery Island). Supposedly, Senan was sent to study with Naile at Kilnamanagh. Senan's dates are uncertain, but he is one of the earliest Irish saints (possibly fifth century, if he existed). If Naile was Senan's teacher, then Naile would be active in the century before Colum cille. Other traditions have Naile dying in 563. Another monastery associated with a St. Natalis or Naile was that on Devenish (Ox Island) in Lough Erne, County Fermanagh. Supposedly he succeeded the founder, Laisren, known as Molaise. Kinawley (Killenaule) (Co. Fermanagh) and Derrylin (Co. Fermanagh) have associations with a St. Naile, possibly the saint from nearby Devenish. Inver (Inbhear Naile)(Co. Donegal) also has a St. Naile and local stories connect this one with Colum cille (modern Donegal and Derry, once known as Tirconnell, make up the region associated with his family historically; they are Colum cille territory.) The stories are contradictory, though: on the one hand, they identify Naile as the son of a king converted by Patrick (c. 450) and on the other, they associate him with Colum cille (supposedly born 521). Good example of the problems inherent in taking Irish saints' stories at face value. I'm not sure which St. Natalis was supposed to have cursed a village or family with the result that they took turns being in wolf form. Makes me think of the Mabinogi. Francine Nicholson _________________________________________________________________ Add photos to your messages with MSN 8. Get 2 months FREE*. http://join.msn.com/?page=features/featuredemail ********************************************************************** To join the list, send the message: join medieval-religion YOUR NAME to: [log in to unmask] To send a message to the list, address it to: [log in to unmask] To leave the list, send the message: leave medieval-religion to: [log in to unmask] In order to report problems or to contact the list's owners, write to: [log in to unmask] For further information, visit our web site: http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/medieval-religion.html