(A.D. 824)
[Irish Martyrologies. Authority:--The Acts of S. Blaithmac written
in verse by his contemporary Walafrid Strabo, and the Irish
Annals.]
S. Blaithmac was a native of Ireland, son of Flann, perhaps one of the
southern Niells, princes of Meath, the names of Flann and Blaithmac
having been common in that family. He was heir to a principality, but he
abandoned his prospects in this world to become a monk, and afterwards
an abbot. Blaithmac had an ardent desire to visit foreign parts, but he
was prevented by his friends and companions from leaving Ireland. At
length he passed over to Iona, which was shortly after invaded by a
party of Northmen. As he was anxious to receive the crown of martyrdom,
he determined to remain there whatever might happen, and by his example
induced some others to stay with him, advising those who feared death to
take refuge on the mainland. While he was celebrating mass the Danes
burst into the church, and having slaughtered the monks, demanded of the
abbot where was the precious shrine of S. Columba. This had been carried
off and concealed underground, where the abbot knew not. Accordingly he
answered that he was ignorant where it was, and added that even if he
had known, he would not have pointed out the spot to them. They then put
him to death. The Ulster Annals give his martyrdom in 825-828. The Irish
annals generally agree in fixing his death at 823 (A.D. 824). Mabillon
was wrong in supposing it took place in 793. Blaithmac is derived from
Blaith, a flower; hence his latinized name is Florigenius or Florus.