Who took over for St. Patrick?

By Tony Staley
Compass Editor

	St. Benen When: died 467 Where: Ireland What: Bishop; Patrick's right-hand man Feast: Nov. 9

In the parables of the pearl of great value and the treasure buried in a field, Jesus tells of the importance of giving up something of value for something of even greater value.

St. Benen or Benignus did that, becoming a Christian and, eventually, St. Patrick's successor as bishop.

This fifth century Irish saint was the son of Sechnan, a chieftain in Meath, Ireland. Once, while Patrick was traveling from Saul to Tara, he stayed several days at Sechnan's home. While there, he converted the entire family.

Patrick made a particularly strong impression on the boy, Benen. He wouldn't let the saint out of his sight and one night sprinkled flowers onto the sleeping Patrick.

When it came time for Patrick to leave, Benen grabbed hold of Patrick's ankles and refused to let go unless he be allowed to accompany him. His parents and Patrick agreed.

Benen became Patrick's disciple and companion and, eventually, confidant and chief assistant. He was known as a gentle, charming man with a good disposition. He also was renowned for his musical abilities and his good singing voice and was known as "Patrick's psalm singer."

While Patrick is credited with converting Ireland, in truth, he was helped by many assistants, including Benen. It was Benen who brought the gospel to Counties Clare, Kerry and Connacht in western Ireland.

It is said Patrick founded a church at Drum-lease in the Kilmore Diocese and placed Benen in charge.

After Patrick's death, in about 461, Benen succeeded him as archbishop of Ireland.

One story, told by William of Malmesbury, said that Benen resigned in 460 and went to Glastonbury, where he met Patrick, about a year before Patrick's death. Patrick, as the story goes, told Benen to live as a hermit and to build his cell at the place where his staff would grow and leaf and bud. Benen's bones were found buried at this place, known as Feringmere, in 1091 and moved to Glastonbury Abbey. But, scholars say, the story is only a legend without a shred of truth.

While much about Benen remains unknown, it is certain that he was St. Patrick's chief assistant and successor. They are listed jointly as authors of the Senchus Mor, the Irish code of laws. And Benen wrote the "Psalter of Cashel."

As Catholics, we profess to follow Christ. St. Benen challenges us to consider if we are taking the path Jesus offered us to God or some other way to gods of our choosing.