Animal Rights: A History Saint Kevin of Glendalough
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Saint Kevin of Glendalough an Irish Saint about whom there is little information was born in the year 498, legend has it that he lived to be 120. He lived in solitude for seven years at Disert-Coemgen, but later established a church at Glendalough for his own community which gave rise to seven other churches, today these churches are an important pilgrimage destinations in Ireland.
Rather like Saint Francis he seemed to have a special connection and compassion for animals.
"As illustrating the gentleness of his disposition, it is said, that the beasts, on the mountains and in the woods, laying aside their natural ferocity accompanied St. Kevin. In a domesticated state, they tamely drank water from his hands.
St. Kevin remained praying beneath a tree, while many birds were seen perched upon his head and shoulders. They flew around him, likewise, and warbled sweet hymns in honour of God's servant.
I do not desire, that God's creatures be moved on my account, for the Lord can otherwise assist my place; and moreover, all animals about these mountains are mild and domesticated towards me, and they should feel sorrowful."
Lives of the Irish Saints, by the Rev. John Canon O' hann
Credits
Photo: Saint Kevin's monastery at Glendalough, Wicklow County, Ireland.
Original image and licensing details
commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Glendalough_monastery.jpg
Important please note:
I am not an animal expert of any kind just your average person who loves animals, all animals, and feels deeply about the plight of many of our fellow creatures. Neither am I a writer, or any other expert. Therefore please keep in mind that the information included in this website has been researched to the best of my ability and any misinformation is quite by accident but of course possible.
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