Description

Oil Dedicated to St Cathald of Taranto

The St Cathald of Taranto is dedicated to St Catald, who was an Irish monk in the 7th century.

His monastery was in Lismore, Co Waterford.  His 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.  Also, he rose to become their archbishop. Some of the miracles claimed in Catald’s name include protecting the city against the plague.   He also protected them against floods in neighbouring areas.

When his coffin was reopened it allegedly contained a golden Celtic cross.  Also, there was a stick carved from Irish oak featuring Celtic design. This became Catald’s emblem.

The Italian towns of San Cataldo are believed to have been named in his honour. His feast day is 10 May.  Also, there is such a town in Sicily.  And a modern sea resort in the Apulian Province of Lecce.

Saint Cathal was the patron of the Sicilian Normans.