Celtic
Saint Drostan, also known as Drustan or Drostán mac Coscreig, was a significant figure in the early Scottish church, venerated in various Christian traditions. Born into the royal Cosgrach family of Ireland, he was a disciple and nephew of Saint Columba, who is credited with spreading Christianity in Scotland. Drostan became the first Abbot of Deer in Aberdeenshire, a monastery established on land granted by a Pictish ruler. This monastery, initially composed of simple wooden structures, would become a center of religious learning and activity in the region.
The etymology of ‘Deer’ is subject to various interpretations. While ‘Deir’ is the oldest recorded spelling, some suggest that the name derives from ‘De adhra’, meaning ‘the worship of God’. Others propose that it could signify ‘Oakwood’, reflecting the dense oak forests that once covered the area. A more poetic legend attributes the name to a tear shed by Drostan, leading Saint Columba to christen the place ‘Deir’, the Gaelic word for tears.
In his later years, Drostan sought solitude, living as a hermit in a forest near Glenesk, Angus. He passed away in 809, leaving behind a legacy as an ‘apostle to Scotland’. His remains were interred in a stone coffin at Aberdeen, and a well at Aberdour is dedicated to his memory, reflecting his enduring influence on the spiritual landscape of Scotland. Drostan’s life and work are commemorated in various ways, including his feast day celebrated on July 11th and December 15th, and through the preservation of historical sites associated with his ministry. His story is a testament to the profound impact of early Christian missionaries in shaping the religious heritage of Scotland.
See also
- Catholic Encyclopedia on St. Drostan
- Book of Dear on Wikipedia
- The Book of Deer Project
- Image of Drostan on Find-A-Grave
- A different account of Drostan’s life
- Overview of Saint Drostan
- The village of Old Deer
See Also and image at <www.findagrave.com. (n.d.). Saint Drostan – Find a Grave Memorial. [online] Available at: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/9679767/drostan/ [Accessed 11 Jul. 2024].>
content © 2024, Ambrose Mooney
layout © 2024, Kathleen Hanrahan and Mo! Langdon (“Celtic and Old English Saints – 9 May”)
Page last updated: 31 December 2024
Please send us comments, corrections, etc. – Kathleen or Mo!.
This page’s URL: <http://www.CelticSaints.org/2024/0711a.html>
The historical narrative of Croyland Abbey is a fascinating glimpse into the turbulent times of early medieval England. The destruction of the Abbey by the Danes in 870 was a significant loss, not only of a religious institution but also of the sacred relics of saints like Egbat, Tatwin, Bettelina, and Ethedrith. The subsequent restoration by Turketill, a figure deeply woven into the fabric of the kingdom’s royalty and military successes, speaks volumes about the resilience and dedication of the time. His transition from a life of warfare and political influence to one of religious devotion and monastic leadership is a testament to the complex interplay between power, faith, and personal conviction in the 10th century. Turketill’s efforts to rebuild Croyland Abbey and his eventual death there add a layer of human depth to the historical account, illustrating the enduring human desire to seek solace and purpose beyond the temporal realm. The Abbey’s story, preserved in texts like Butler’s “Lives of the Saints,” continues to captivate those interested in the rich tapestry of England’s past.
content © 2024, Ambrose Mooney
layout © 2024, Kathleen Hanrahan and Mo! (“Celtic and Old English Saints – 9 May”) Langdon
Page last updated: 31 December 2024
Please send us comments, corrections, etc. – Kathleen or Mo!.
This page’s URL: <http://www.CelticSaints.org/2024/0711b.html>
Catholic
Saint Benedict
Benedict of Nursia was a monk and abbot who lived in the 5th and 6th century AD. He founded several monasteries and wrote a rule for monasteries which became fundamental for Western Monasticism
St. Benedict’s life is a profound example of a personal quest for spiritual integrity in a time of societal decadence. Born into a world where the art of rhetoric was valued over the substance of character, Benedict’s disillusionment with the hedonistic lifestyle of his peers led him to seek a more meaningful existence. His departure from Rome was a pivotal moment, marking the beginning of a journey towards monasticism. In Subiaco, his hermitage became the foundation of what would later evolve into the Benedictine Order, which emphasized the principles of community living, prayer, and work. Benedict’s Rule, his main legacy, is still a cornerstone of Western monastic life, advocating a balanced approach to spiritual and temporal affairs and influencing countless lives over the centuries. His twin sister, Scholastica, also embraced religious life, and together they left an indelible mark on Christian spirituality and monasticism.
The life of Saint Benedict is a fascinating tale of devotion, resilience, and innovation. His experiences, from living as a hermit to confronting the challenges of leadership and envy, shaped his approach to monastic life. The Rule of Saint Benedict, a seminal work in the history of Western monasticism, reflects his deep understanding of human nature and his desire to create a communal life based on stability, prayer, and work. His rules are not just religious precepts but also guidelines for community living that emphasize balance, moderation, and the importance of communal harmony. Benedict’s legacy endures in the Benedictine Order, which continues to follow his Rule, a testament to the enduring power of his vision and principles. His story is a reminder that even in solitude, one can forge a path that leaves a lasting impact on the world.