Saint Brendan the Navigator

May 16th
Troparion (Tone 4)
The Divine Likeness has been perfected in thee, O holy Father Brendan, for taking up the Cross thou hast followed Christ, and by thy deeds thou hast taught us to disdain the flesh for it passes away, but to cultivate the soul for it is immortal: wherefore, O holy father, thy spirit rejoices with the Angels.

St. Brendan of Ardfert & Clonfert the Navigator, also known as "the Voyager", was born near Tralee, Ireland, in 484. He was reared in the faith by St. Ita and then studied under St. Erc, who ordained him priest in 512. He founded several monasteries in western Ireland. In 530, he set out on a 7 year voyage with a large group of monks to find the fabled Isles of the Blessed. They kept the monastic rule on the ship. The story of their voyage created a sensation and many made pilgrimages to the monastery from which he had departed and were discipled in the faith. It is unknown where they landed. (Some Irish scholars have tried to make the claim that it was Newfoundland, Florida or Virginia.) They did come back with knowledge and samples of flora and fauna that were neither Irish nor European. Upon his return to Ireland, many wanted to follow such a brave and adventurous man, so he discipled them as monastics and missionaries. In 550, he founded a monastery at Coney Island, County Clare, then proceded to Wales and other parts of Britain. After 3 years, Brendan returned to Ireland and continued to evangelize and edify the Church. In 557, he founded Clonfert, over which he appointed St. Moinenn as Prior & Headmaster. He reposed after a long and fruitful life in Enachduin (now Annaghdown) in 577.

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