Venerated in Tarento, Ireland Feast 10 May Name Catald Catald | Role Saint Died 685 AD, Taranto, Italy | |
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Canonized About 685 (Pre-congregation) Patronage Invoked for protection from plagues, droughts and storms Major shrine Lis, County Waterford, Taranto | ||
Church of St. Catald, Palermo, Sicily, Italy, Europe
Saint Catald of Taranto (a.k.a. Cataldus, Cathaluds, Cathaldus, Cat(t)aldo, Cathal), Irish monk, fl. 7th century.
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Biography
His monastery was in Lismore, County Waterford but his apparent desire for a life of solitude saw him venture off to Jerusalem on a pilgrimage.
On his return home his ship was wrecked off the Italian coast, near the city of Taranto. The people here appear to have encouraged the monk to become their bishop, and he rose to become their archbishop. Some of the miracles claimed in Catald's name include protecting the city against the plague and floods that, apparently, had occurred in neighbouring areas.
When his coffin was reopened it allegedly contained a golden Celtic cross and a stick carved from Irish oak featuring Celtic design which was to become Catald's emblem. The Italian towns of San Cataldo are believed to have been named in his honour, and his feast day is 10 May.