Cathexic Catholic — Saints New and Old

Saint Finan of Lindisfarne, Pray for Us!

St. Finan was an Irish Monk who played a pivitol role in England’s conversion to the Catholic faith.

In During the mid-7th century, several pivotal global events shaped history. Islamic forces were expanding rapidly, while the Byzantine Empire began to show signs of fragmentation. In China, the emergence of the Tang Dynasty marked a significant era of growth and cultural development. Buddhism was spreading extensively, reaching regions like China, Korea, Japan, and various parts of Southeast Asia. The Merovingian dynasty reigned over the Frankish Kingdom during this time, and the Mayan Civilization was starting to flourish in the Americas. In England, the landscape was dominated by Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, where kings were gradually embracing Christianity from their pagan faiths. Ireland, at the time, consisted of clusters of túatha (tribal groupings). The populace spoke early Gaelic and wrote in Ogham. Christianity had reached Ireland’s shores by this time and was was peppered with Irish monasteries who were known for their skill with illuminated manuscripts. The Christian world was engaged in a fierce debate on when was appropriate to celebrate Easter.