Tola of Clonard
Saint Tola was a seventh-century Irish saint, known as a bishop of Clonard and a hermit. He is remembered for founding monasteries, his missionary work in Europe, and his contributions to scholarly studies. His legacy includes a crozier ascribed to him and his patronage of County Clare.
- Feast Day
- 30 March
- Century
- 8th century
- Country Or Region
- Ireland
Key Facts
- ›Tola was the reputed son of Donchad and lived after the middle of the seventh century.
- ›He lived as a hermit at Disert Tola and founded a monastery there in the latter 7th or early 8th century.
- ›He served as the bishop of Clonard in Meath, Ireland.
- ›Tola established a monastic community in northwestern County Clare around the year 700.
- ›He sent missionaries to Europe and supported the expansion of scholarly studies.
- ›His feast day is celebrated on 30 March.
Thola, Tolanus, a good soldier of Christ
Catholic Church, Orthodox Christian
County Clare, Toothaches
About Tola of Clonard
Saint Tola of Clonard
Saint Tola, also known by the names Thola or Tolanus, was a seventh-century Irish saint recognized within both Roman Catholic and Orthodox Christian traditions. He is described as "a good soldier of Christ". Born after the middle of the seventh century and reputed to be the son of Donchad, Tola dedicated many years to the life of a hermit at a place known as Disert Tola. It was here that he founded a monastery, likely in the latter part of the 7th or early part of the 8th century.
Life and Ministry
Bishop Tola's life was marked by significant contributions to the religious and scholarly landscape of Ireland. Around the year 700, he established a monastic community in northwestern County Clare, situated between the River Fergus and the Burren. His influence extended beyond Ireland as he dispatched missionaries to Europe, thereby aiding in the propagation of Christianity. Furthermore, he played a role in the advancement of various scholarly studies.
Later in his life, Bishop Tola was called to lead the see of Clonard in County Meath. He presided over Clonard until his death, which occurred sometime between 734 and 737. Portions of his original church, or at least its foundations, were incorporated into an 11th-century Romanesque Church that now lies in ruins near Corofin. A crozier attributed to Saint Tola is preserved in the National Museum of Ireland in Dublin.
Veneration and Legacy
Saint Tola's feast day is observed on March 30. He is venerated as the patron saint of County Clare and is invoked against toothaches, with a tradition suggesting a portion of a cross was used for healing. The high cross at Dysert O'Dea Monastery bears his name, though its dating to the 11th or 12th century indicates no direct connection to the saint himself, despite a possible depiction of a bishop on the cross. A notable event in his veneration occurred in 1034 when Coirten Ua Maebuain was killed on the threshold of Disert Tola church, an act for which the perpetrator was swiftly punished.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Saint Tola of Clonard?
Saint Tola was a seventh-century Irish saint, also known as Thola or Tolanus. He lived as a hermit, founded monasteries, and served as the bishop of Clonard in Meath, Ireland. He is also referred to as 'a good soldier of Christ'.
When and where did Saint Tola live?
Saint Tola was born after the middle of the seventh century and died sometime between 734 and 737. He lived for many years as a hermit at Disert Tola and established a monastic community in northwestern County Clare around the year 700.
What is Saint Tola remembered for?
He is remembered for founding monasteries, including one at Disert Tola and another in County Clare. He also sent missionaries to Europe and contributed to the expansion of scholarly studies. He is the patron saint of County Clare.
What is Saint Tola's feast day?
Saint Tola's feast day is celebrated on 30 March.
Are there any relics or symbols associated with Saint Tola?
A crozier ascribed to Saint Tola is preserved in the National Museum of Ireland in Dublin. The high cross at Dysert O'Dea Monastery is referred to as Tola's Cross, though its connection to the saint is indirect.
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