Maughold

Saint Maughold, traditionally an Irish prince and leader of freebooters, was born in Ireland, though the details of his early life and even his original name are uncertain. In his youth he lived far from God, until the mercy of Christ reached him through Saint Patrick. Legend tells that Maughold once tried to mock Patrick with a cruel deception, but the incident ended in repentance and conversion: Patrick baptized Maughold and his companions, called him to responsibility for the souls under his influence, and imposed a striking penance. Trusting himself to God, Maughold set out from Ireland in a small currach without oars, surrendering his life to divine providence. Carried across the sea, he came ashore on the Isle of Man near what is now called Maughold Head. There he embraced a life of prayer as a hermit, and in time the Manx people chose him to serve as their bishop, remembering him for his gentleness and care. Venerated as the patron saint of the Isle of Man, Saint Maughold is celebrated on April 27.