(END OF 5TH CENTURY.)
[Inserted in the Sarum Martyrology by Richard Wytford from the Irish
Kalendar, in these words: "In Ireland the feast of S. Mel, S.
Melkus, S. Munys, Bishops, and Riockus, Abbot: these four were
brothers, nephews of S. Patrick, by his sister S. Darerca, all
famous for their singular holiness and great miracles." They are
also given by Colgan. Authorities:--Joselyn's Life of S. Patrick;
The Life of S. Bridget, &c.]
These four brothers are said to have been the sons of Darerca, the
saintly sister of S. Patrick, and his coadjutors in his apostolic
labours in Ireland.[21] S. Mael, or Mel, who was ordained Bishop of
Ardagh, in Longford, lived there in a poor cell with his mother's aged
sister, Lupita. She watched and prayed till midnight, and then woke
her nephew, who continued the watch and prayer till day broke, and she
retired to bed. S. Mel died about the year 488, and was buried at
Ardagh. S. Melchu was the companion of his brother Mael, in his
missionary labours and preaching, and lived with him in the monastery
founded by Mael at Ardagh, and was ordained Bishop by his uncle
Patrick. S. Mun, or Munis, after having for a long time accompanied S.
Patrick, was raised to the episcopate, and founded the Church of
Forgney in Longford, in the year 486. S. Rioch, after many labours in
the Gospel, with the leave of S. Patrick, retired to the island of
Inisbofinde in Lough-ree; and thus devoted the remainder of his days
to a contemplative life, in a monastery, which he founded in the
island.