Saint Inan

Saint Inan, also remembered as Evan, was a Celtic monk of the ninth century, traditionally said to have come from the monastic community of Iona off Scotland’s western coast. His birthplace is not known, but his life is closely bound to Ayrshire, where he is honored as the patron saint of Irvine. Tradition remembers him as a hermit and preacher who sought out the scattered people of the countryside, even visiting places long marked by older, pagan worship. Near Beith, local memory points to “St. Inan’s Chair,” a cleft in the hillside from which he is said to have proclaimed the Gospel, and to a once-famous holy well associated with prayer and healing. After journeys of pilgrimage to Rome and Jerusalem, he is said to have settled at Irvine, where he died. There his tomb became a place of devotion, reputed for miracles and drawing the faithful in hope and gratitude. Saint Inan’s feast day is September 28.