St. Asicus, also called Ascicus as well as Tassach, is the patron saint of the Diocese of Elphin. He is also the patron saint of coppersmiths. Asicus was one of the earliest of St. Patrick’s disciples. St. Patrick came to Elphin in 435 where he founded the monastery on lands given by the noble druid Ona (or Ono) in County Roscommon. Later, on Patrick’s missionary tour of Connacht, circa. 450 AD, he appointed Asicus as the first bishop of a newly created Elphin diocese.
In the “Tripartite Life of St Patrick” (ed. Whitley Stokes) we read:
“Bishop St. Assicus was Patrick's coppersmith, and made altars and square bookcases. Besides, he made our saint's patens in honour of Bishop Patrick…”
St. Asicus is described in the Book of Armagh as a wright which signifies a maker or builder. Other than altars, patens, and metal book-covers, he also made chalices for the newly founded churches. St. Asicus is always portrayed as both a craftsman and a bishop. He preached the word of God through his craft.
He was later made Abbot of Ireland. St. Asicus was a humble man and often troubled by thoughts unworthy of his office. He left Roscommon and travelled to Rathlin O’Birne Island in Donegal Bay where he resigned his office and became a hermit, living for a while at the top of Sliabh Liag along the area called The Pilgrim’s Way.
He remained there for seven years until he was found by the monks of Elphin who persuaded him to return to the diocese with them. However, he was not in good health and died on the journey back to Elphin (circa. 490 AD). He is buried where he died – near the village of Ballintra between Ballyshannon and Donegal Town.
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Elphin itself is an anglicisation of two Irish words “Aill Fion” meaning “Bright Rock”.
In 1111 AD the synod of Rath Breasail re-established the structures of the Irish Church to conform with the diocesan structure of the Church in Europe. Elphin was re-designated diocesan status lost after the viking and Danish invasions. The first Cathedral of Elphin was dedicated to Beatae Mariae Virgini (Blessed Mary the Virgin), hinting at a heritage of Marian devotion dating back from the time of St. Patrick.
The presence diocese’s cathedral, dedicated to the ”Immaculate Conception” is based in Sligo town. St. Asicus’ feast is celebrated 27th April, and is recorded in the “Martyrology of Tallaght” under that date.
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