Kevin is a mysterious figure who lived in Ireland during the 6th century who is also known as Coemgen. It is difficult to delineate between where facts about him end and the myths begin. It is said that he was born in 498 and died in 618 giving him a respectable innings of 120 years.

He was born of royal descent but was ordained and lived as a hermit in a cave in a place called Glendalough. He was called to found a monastery for the disciples he attracted of which his cave became the hub. He was entrusted with the raising of the son of King Colman of Ui Faelain.

Many of the stories about Kevin suggest that he had a deep relationship with the natural world. He is known for surrounding himself by nature and is the great protector of animals.

One of the celebrated tales includes a blackbird. He was praying with his arms outstretched in his cell in the monastery, but the cell was so small that his right arm had to poke out through the window. As he was praying, a blackbird came and nestled in his hand and began to build a nest. When complete, it laid an egg. It seems that Kevin was a man who, when praying was not easily distracted, giving his full attention in his conversation with the Lord.

A good deal of Celtic spirituality is about finding love in hard places and legends are more than simple stories that work on several levels. This particular story is not really about endurance but about nurture and the pain that it may involve.

Any Christian community needs to stand with its arms wide open, accepting with reverence whatever God brings it’s way, holding firm to protect its vulnerable members.

He is the patron saint of Dublin.

His feast day is June 3.

For God’s Glory.