Saint Abigail

     Never heard of her? Well, consider it you're lucky day, because you're about to learn about this wonderful Saint named Abigail. 

      She was born in County Clare, Ireland, during the 5th or 6th century. She fled to Inis Oirr in the Aran Islands because of her family continuously fighting. An angel appeared to her and told her to look for nine white deer grazing and that is where she would ultimately die and be resurrected on the last day. She searched the Southern coast of Ireland for this sign of deer and now, a pilgrimage route marks her path which has water wells and Churches along it. 

     Abigail discovered the nine deer in Ballyvourney, County Cork, now called Saint Gobnets Wood. She dedicated herself to helping the sick and needy and her brother, Saint Abban, aided her in founding a new religious community of nuns. 

    She became the "Patroness of beekeepers" because she became one herself and used the honey to treat wounds. A miracle attributed to Saint Abigail occurred when she called on the bees to fight off an evil attack. Another miracle occurred when she prayed that Ballyvourney would be protected from the plague, and it was. 

     She died right there in Ballyvourney, where the nine white deer had been spotted and now awaits the resurrection. 

     So many Saints! Everyday men and women that walk or have walked among Us! Let us add Saint Abigail to our list of beloved friends whom we can call our dearest. 

     St Abigail. Pray for us! (By the way, "to await her Resurrection", is it common phrase for a Saints resting place. This refers to the theological belief in the final resurrection of the Dead at the end of time, not that she is currently suffering in Purgatory)