Mél of Ardagh

Saint Mel or Moel was a 5th-century saint who was the son of Conis or Chonis and Darerca. Saint Darerca was a sister of Saint Patrick and was known as the "mother of saints" because most of her children (seventeen sons and two daughters) entered religious life, many were later recognized as saints, and several of her sons became bishops. Mel and his brothers Melchu, Munis and Rioch accompanied their uncle Patrick to Ireland and helped him with his missionary work there. Mel and his brother Melchu were both reportedly consecrated bishop by Patrick himself. After St Patrick built the church at Ardagh, he appointed Mel as Bishop of Ardagh. According to the Life of St. Brigid, Mel is said to have had no fixed see for most of his life in ministry, which fits with other accounts of his being a traveling missionary and evangelist. Acting upon the apostolic precept, Mel supported himself by working with his hands; what he gained beyond bare necessities, he gave to the poor.

Life

Mel helped evangelize Ireland while supporting himself through manual labor. Patrick appointed Mel as one of the earliest Irish bishops and head of the Diocese of Ardagh. Mel also built the monastery of Ardagh where he was both bishop and abbot, and is said to have had the gift of prophecy. He accepted Saint Brigid of Kildare's profession as a nun, and served as her mentor while she was in Ardagh.