Saint Jarlath, first Bishop of Tuam, Ireland (+540) ╰⊰¸¸.•¨* ENGLISH ORTHODOX FLOWERS

Saint Jarlath, first Bishop of Tuam, Ireland (+540)

December 26

Saint Jarlath, also known as Iarlaithe mac Loga (fl. 6th century), was an Irish priest and scholar from Connacht, remembered as the founder of the monastic School of Tuam and of the Archdiocese of Tuam, of which he is the patron saint. 

Saint Jarlath of Tuam is said to have belonged to the Conmhaícne, who ruled over the greater part of what would become the parish of Tuam.

Saint Brendan the Voyager (+577) is said to have visited Connacht to study under the famous Jarlath. One day, when Jarlath was in his old age, Brendan advised his mentor to leave the school and to depart in a newly built chariot until its two hind shafts broke, because there would be the place of his resurrection (esséirge) and that of many after him. Because Jarlath acknowledged the divinity and superior wisdom of his pupil, saying "take me into thy service for ever and ever", he gladly accepted his advice. His travel did not take him very far, as the shafts broke at Tuaim da Ghualann ("Mound of two shoulders"), that is, at Tuam.

Saint Jarlath died, "full of days", on 26 December, circa 540, aged about 90 years old.