Athracht
Athracht was an Irish saint, patroness of the parish of Locha Techet and Tourlestrane in County Sligo. She is remembered for her great charity and hospitality, particularly her founding of a hostel for travelers. Her feast day is celebrated on August 11th.
- Feast Day
- 11 August
- Century
- 6th century
- Country Or Region
- Ireland
Key Facts
- ›Athracht was the patron saint of the parish of Locha Techet (Lough Gara) and Tourlestrane, County Sligo, Ireland.
- ›She was a sister of Bishop Conal of Drumconnell.
- ›Athracht founded a hostel for travelers at a place now called Killaraght in her honor.
- ›She lived in the sixth century and was known for her charity and hospitality.
- ›Local tradition remembers her great healing powers.
- ›Her convents were famous for hospitality and charity to the poor.
Naomh Athracht, Attracta
Locha Techet, Lough Gara, Tourlestrane
About Athracht
Athracht, also known by her Latin name Attracta and Modern Irish Naomh Athracht, is an Irish saint venerated as the patron saint of the parishes of Locha Techet (Lough Gara) and Tourlestrane, both in County Sligo, Ireland. Her feast day is observed on August 11th.
Life and Historical Context
A native of County Sligo, Athracht resolved to dedicate her life to God. Facing opposition from her parents, she relocated to south Connacht. Her first religious foundation was established at Drum, County Roscommon, a place where her brother, Bishop Conal, had already set up a church, leading the site to be known as Drumconnell. From Drumconnell, she moved to Greagraighe, also known as Coolavin, in County Sligo. According to her legend, she took her vows as a nun under the guidance of Saint Patrick at Coolavin.
Later, Athracht moved to Lough Gara, where she founded a hostel for travelers. This institution was located at a site that became known as Killaraght in her honor, and it remained operational until 1539. She was widely recognized for her compassionate nature and the generous hospitality she extended to travelers and the homeless.
Athracht lived during the sixth century and is associated with Conainne. Local traditions speak of her remarkable healing abilities, and her convents gained renown for their charitable works and welcoming environment for the poor.
Legacy
The memory of Saint Athracht is preserved in several ways. A local well is named in her honor, as is a new secondary school in Tubbercurry and the second church in the parish of Kilmactigue. St. Attracta's Senior School in Dublin also bears her name. Further demonstrating her enduring legacy, Aer Lingus named one of its Airbus A321LR aircraft, registration EI-LRB, 'Saint Attracta' upon its delivery in September 2019.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Saint Athracht?
Athracht was an Irish saint, considered the patron saint of the parish of Locha Techet (Lough Gara) and Tourlestrane in County Sligo. She lived in the sixth century and was known for her devotion to God and her charitable works.
What is Saint Athracht remembered for?
She is chiefly remembered for her great charity and hospitality, particularly for founding a hostel for travelers at a place now named Killaraght in her honor. Her convents were also noted for their hospitality to the poor and homeless.
When is Saint Athracht's feast day?
Saint Athracht's feast day is celebrated on August 11th.
Where was Saint Athracht active?
A native of County Sligo, Athracht's ministry took her to south Connacht, where she made her first foundation at Drum, County Roscommon. She later moved to Greagraighe or Coolavin in County Sligo, and then to Lough Gara.
What legacy did Saint Athracht leave?
Her legacy includes a local well named in her honor, a secondary school in Tubbercurry, and a church in Kilmactigue. St. Attracta's Senior School in Dublin is also named after her, and an Aer Lingus aircraft bears her name.
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