Jarlath

Saint Jarlath (c. 445-c. 540, "Naomh Iarlaith" in Irish) was an Irish priest and scholar from Connacht. He is the patron saint of the Archdiocese of Tuam.

After studying under St. Benignus of Kilbannon, Jarlath founded a college at Cloonfush, near Tuam, which soon attracted scholars from all parts of Ireland. Its students included St. Brendan of Ardfert and Saint Colman of Cloyne. Despite his fame, Jarlath left Cloonfush to study under Saint Enda of Aran around 495.

Sometime during the 520s, he retired to Tuam. He chose Tuam because the wheel of his chariot broke there.

St. Jarlath is included in the second order of Irish saints, which implies that he must have lived to the year 540. The "Felire" of Aengus states that Jarlath was known for his fasting, watching, and mortification.

Jarlath's feast day is 6 June, which is the date of the translation of his relics to a church specially built in his honour next to the Cathedral of Tuam. His remains were encased in a silver shrine, from which the 13th century church gained the name "Teampul na scrín", that is the "church of the shrine", a perpetual vicarage united to the prebend of Kilmainemore in 1415. The very first St. Jarlath's Festival in Tuam, organised by the Energise Tuam community group, was organised for Saturday 7th June 2008. This included a pageant / parade from the Roman Catholic Cathedral through the streets of the town, a school's art competition to raise awareness of the saint and local cultural heritage, and street entertainment.

St' Jarlath's broken wheel is a heraldic symbol of Tuam, and is included on the crest of many local organisations, including Tuam Town Council.

The name Jarlath and the Irish translation (Iarlath) is a commonly chosen male Christian name in/around the Tuam area.

ee also

*St. Jarlath's College

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