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The Latin & Irish Lives of Ciaran
Translations Of Christian Literature. Series V. Lives Of
The Celtic Saints
"The Latin & Irish Lives of Ciaran" by R.A. Stewart-MacAlister is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This work explores the life of Saint Ciaran of Clonmacnois, a significant figure in early Irish Christianity, highlighting the miracles attributed to him and the impact he had on his community. The text compiles various hagiographical sources that reflect the saint's virtues and the lore surrounding his life. The opening of the text presents an introduction that sets the stage for understanding the importance of Ciaran in Irish hagiography. It emphasizes that the Lives of saints are not traditional biographies but rather homilies meant for edification, filled with anecdotes that often include miraculous elements. Early accounts of Ciaran's life detail his miraculous birth, the extraordinary events of his childhood, and his eventual establishment of a monastery at Clonmacnois, illustrating his legacy and the depth of his character as perceived by his contemporaries. The introduction prepares readers for a series of episodes that blend folklore with spiritual significance, underscoring the saint's role in promoting Christianity in Ireland.