35. Our most holy patron Kiaranus lived but for one year in his
settlement of Cluain. When he knew that the day of his death was
approaching, he prophesied, deploring the subsequent evils that would
come to pass in his place after him; and he said that their life would
be short. Then the brethren said unto him, "What then shall we do in
the time of those evils? Shall we abide here beside thy relics, or
shall we go to other places?" To them Saint Kiaranus said, "Haste ye
to other quiet places, and leave my relics here like the dry bones of
a stag on a mountain. For it is better for you to be with my spirit in
heaven than beside my bones on earth, and stumbling withal."
Saint Kiaranus used greatly to crucify his body, and we write here an
example of this. He ever had a stone pillow beneath his head, which
till to-day remains in the monastery of Saint Kiaranus, and is
reverenced by every one. Moreover, when he was growing weak, he would
not have the stone removed from him, but commanded it to be placed to
his shoulders, that he should have affliction even to the end, for the
sake of an everlasting reward in heaven.
Now when the hour of his departure was approaching, he commanded that
he should be carried outside, out of the house; and looking up into
heaven, he said, "Hard is that way,[6] and this needs must be." To
him the brethren said, "We know that nothing is difficult for thee,
father; but we unhappy ones must greatly fear this hour."
And being carried back into the house, he raised his hand and blessed
his people and clerks; and having received the Lord's Sacrifice,
on the fifth of the ides of September he gave up the ghost, in the
thirty-third year of his age. And lo, angels filled the way between
heaven and earth, rejoicing to meet Saint Kiaranus.