Saint Library
May 16medievalUniversal

Brendan the Navigator

Monk

Sanctified Life

484577

Tralee, Ireland

Also Known As

Brendan of Clonfert

Patronage

sailors,travelers,whales

"Help me to journey beyond the familiar and into the unknown."

One of the Twelve Apostles of Ireland, famous for his legendary seven-year voyage across the Atlantic in search of the 'Isle of the Blessed.' His tale, the 'Navigatio,' inspired explorers like Columbus. He founded many monasteries, including Clonfert.

Brendan the Navigator
Historical Legacy

Historical Journey

Historical Summary (Wikidata)
Brendan of Clonfert (c. AD 484 – c. 577) is one of the early Irish monastic saints and one of the Twelve Apostles of Ireland. He is also referred to as Brendan the Navigator, Brendan the Voyager, Brendan the Anchorite, and Brendan the Bold. The Irish translation of his name is Naomh Bréanainn or Naomh Breandán. He is mainly known for his legendary voyage to find the "Isle of the Blessed" which is sometimes referred to as "Saint Brendan’s Island". The written narrative of his journey comes from the immram Navigatio Sancti Brendani Abbatis (Voyage of Saint Brendan the Abbot). Saint Brendan's feast day is celebrated on 16 May by Catholics, Anglicans, and Orthodox Christians.

Historical Depiction

Historical depiction of Brendan the Navigator

Wikimedia Commons Source

Titles & Roles

writerCatholic priestexplorer

Writings

book

Navigatio Sancti Brendani

The Voyage of St. Brendan the Abbot.

Sacred Symbols

ship

Voyage

whale

Nature's Wonder

Life Journey

Early Life

Fostered by St. Ita; educated by St. Erc.

The Turning Point

Setting sail with his monks into the unknown western ocean.

Historical Legacy

Returned to Ireland to found monasteries; died at age 93.