Saint Assicus of Elphin (Lanigan)

From Lanigan's Ecclesiastical History of Ireland:

"Patrick placed Asicus at Elphin but it does not state whether he was then a bishop or not.  According to the chronology of the Tripartite Asicus would have been fixed at the place about A.D. 437 (see chap. v sction ix) at which time he could not have been a bishop. "fter some words we read in said passage: 'Assicus sanctus episcopus fuit faber acris Patricii.' Here he is called bishop; but  the addition of his having worked in brass for St. Patrick would seem to indicate that his promotion did not take place, at least, until after the foundation of Armagh, when the saint, having a permanent restidence had occasion to employ him.  Next we may suppose, that he was not made bishop of Elphin until after he had ceased to work at Armagh, as he must have resided in his diocese.  The passage referred to above may, I think, be explained in the following manner.  Ascius was placed at Elphin when a priest by St. Patrick not many years after the commencement of his mission; when Armagh was founded he was summoned thither to assist in making utensils for the use of the church; afterwards, but whether before or after the death of the saint cannot be ascertained, he became bishop of Elphin." (Vol. I, 2nd Edition, 1829, Chapt. VII, p. 343)

A wonderful account of St. Assicus can also be round here.

Saint Assicus of Elphin (Archdall)

From Mervyn Archdall's Monasticon Hibernicum:

Of St Asicus who also had a hermitage on Slieve Leagne we have ample information. The Rev. Mathew Kelly in his notices of the "Patron Saints of Ireland" writes of him:- "St Asicus Asaach bishop patron of Elphin. A disciple of St. Patrick who obtained from a Druid the land on which the church of Elphin was founded Asicus was its first bishop. Among the different members of St. Patrick's household to whom provision for all the ecclesiastical wants of the infant church was committed St. Asicus is described as an artificer in brass "faber acris Patricii." In a penitential spirit St. Asicus renounced the govemment of his diocess and retired to the mountains of Sliebh Ling, in the present county of Donegal, from which he could not be persuaded to return. He died in his retreat and was buried in the church of Rathcunga in Tirhugh Donegal. His name is in the Martyrology of Tallaght on the 26th of April. His festival is observed on the following day in the diocess of Elphin."

This notice is not so full as the one given by Colgan who writes:- "The most holy and chaste bishop Asicus when on a certain occasion it was necessary to state a certain fact uttered a falsehood having spoken without sufficient reflection. In consequence of this fault he became so great a penitent that he determined never to be seen in the place where he had given so great a scandal herefore having resigned his see and the government of the monastery in which he lived heretier to the northern parts of Ireland and on a certain mountain in the country of Tir Eoghaine called Sliabh Liag he led a solitary life for seven long years. Meanwhile his monks by their untiring exertions discovered him in that desert and implored him to return to his deserted see and monastery but he refused sternly because he considered himself guilty of a great scandal in telling a falsehood and that he therefore ought not be seen where he had given the scandal. They prevailed however on him to remove to another solitary place where he shortly after slept in the Lord and was buried by his disciples in the country of Serthe at a place called Rathcunga. Not far from this hermitage on the mountain there is in the townland of Rinnakill another holy well which is called the Well of the Female Saints. Local tradition says that a convent of nuns stood here at an early period but not a trace of it can now be seen.

Saint Assicus of Elphin (Lanigan)

From Lanigan's An Ecclesiastical History of Ireland, at chaps. v and vii.

If we are to believe the Tripartite the church of Elphin was founded about this time and the place for it is said to have been given to St. Patrick by a magus called Ono. Over this church was placed Asicus who became a bishop but certainly not as early as the time we are now treating of (84) Bronus, bishop of Caissel irra, West Cashel in Co Sligo, is spoken of also in this part of our saint's history but although a disciple of St. Patrick as was also Asicus or Asacus (85) he did not become a bishop until several years after this period. (86) 

Footnotes
(84) It is impossible in following the history of St Patrick as given in the Lives to determine the true times of the foundation of most of our ancient sees or of the first bishops It becomes therefore necessary to treat of them under a distinct head which will be found lower down
(85) Tirechan's list ap Usher p 951
(86) Bron was bishop in St Brigid's time and died AD 511. 512 Tr Th p. 176

Asacus or as others call him Asicus is one of those whom a very old tradition acknowledges as a bishop in that early period of the Irish church He was placed at Elphin and according to some accounts as bishop (50) by St. Patrick. It is however doubtful whether he was one during the saint's life time. It is related of him that through a penitential spirit he withdrew from his diocese and retired to the mountain Sliebhliag Slieve league in Donegal where after a considerable time he was discovered by his disciples. He could not be prevailed on to return to his see but went with them to a solitary place and when dead was buried at Rath cunga (51) barony of Tyrhughin said county.

Patrick placed Asicus at Elphin. But it does not state whether he was then a bishop or not. According to the chronology of the Tripartite, Asicus would have been fixed at that place about AD 437 (see Chap v sect ix) at which time he could not have been a bishop. After some words we read in said passage "Assicus sanctus episcopus fuit faber acris Patricii" Here he is called bishop but the addition of his having worked in brass for St. Patrick would seem to indicate that his promotion did not take place until after at least the foundation of Armagh, when the saint having a permanent residence had occason to employ him. Next we may suppose that he was not made bishop of Elphin until after he had ceased to work at Armagh, as he must have resided in his diocese. The passage above referred to may, I think, be explained in the following manner. Asicus was placed at Elphin when a priest by St. Patrick, not many years after the commencement of his mission when Armagh was founded, he was summoned thither to assist in making utensils for the use of the church afterwards but whether before or after the death of the saint cannot be ascertained he became bishop of Elphin.   Next to Asacus is mentioned Bitheus concerning whose episcopacy some doubts might be entertained were he not mentioned in quotations from old documents as a bishop and contemporary with Bronus and Asacus who was his uncle (52) This last circumstance is sufficient to show that he did not beeome a bishop until after St Patrick's death for if it is doubtful whether the uncle was one at so early a period we may conclude that the nephew was not. Where his see or church was I cannot rightly discover (53) He is said to have been buried at Rath cunga (54) where his uncle's remains had been deposited.

Footnotes
(51) Tripart L 2 c 40 Archdall makes Rathcunga an abbey founded by St. Patrick and refers to Colgan But neither he nor the Tripartite mentions St. Patrick founder of an abbey there. At most they attribute to him the erection of a church at Rath cunga See Chap vi n But whatever was the religious house in that place it owed its origin at the earliest to the followers of Asicus.
(52) Tripart L 2 c inr Compare with ib c 39 and 43
(53) The Tripartite has L 2 c 52 St Bronius S Biteus de Caissel ira Bronius was certainly bishop of that place but do these words mean that Biteus was also bishop thereof. If so he was not appointed to it until at the earliest AD 512 the year in which Bronius died and accordingly must have been very young when a disciple of St Patrick. Or is there a transposition in the text so as that it should be read St Bronius de Caissel ira S Biteus &c
(54) Tripart L 2 c iii

The See Elphin in the Early Middle Ages (512-1246)

From Walsh, Thomas; History of the Irish Hierarchy, cap. xxix, p. 299 ff.

The See of Elphin now embraces those of Ardcarn, Drumcliffe and Roscoman. By the annexation of those sees, Elphin became one of the richest in the kingdom. Caisseal Iorra or West Cashel is also mentioned and a bishop Bron as having resided there. He died in 512.

St. Asicus is mentioned as the first bishop of Elphin and to have been placed in the see by St. Patrick but it is doubtful whether he has been one in the lifetime of the apostle. The festival of St. Asicus is celebrated on the 27th of April but the year of his death, like unto the deaths of other saints, is not known. Ware fixes his incumbency in or about 450. It is said that Asicus was an excellent goldsmith and that he adorned the cathedral with monuments of elegant workmanship, that he also wrought for St. Patrick quadrangular chalices and altars. It is also related of him that through a penitential spirit he retired from his diocese to the mountain Slievliag in Donegal where, after sojourning a considerable time, he was discovered by his disciples. He could not be induced to return to his see but went with them to a solitude and when he died was buried at Rathcunga barony of Tyrhugh in that county.

Next to Asicus is mentioned his nephew Bitheus, bishop of Elphin, and who was buried with Asicus in Rathcunga. Bron, bishop of Caisseal Iorra, was the contemporary of both and died in the time of St. Bridget, A.D. 512. The names of the successors are lost to our enquiries but may we not hope that they are recorded in the book of life

Domnald Ó Dubhai, who was also bishop of Clonmacnois and who died at Clonfert in 1137. Flanachan Ó Dubhai, who died in 1168.
Maelisa Ó Conactain, bishop of east Connaught assisted at the council of Kells in 1152. Died in 1174.
Florence MacRiagan O'Mulrony, a Cistercian monk and abbot of Boyle, died in 1195, was descended of the kings of Connaught.
Ardgal O'Conor of the royal family of the O Connors died A.D. 1214.
Denis O'Mulkeran, bishop of Ardcarn, died in 1224.
Denis Ó Morda, who succeeded, resigned in 1229 and died in 1231.
Alan of whom nothing is known.
Donat O'Connor sat twelve years and died in 1244.
John Ó Hughroin, archdeacon of Elphin, was elected on the 12th of June, 1244. The archbishop of Tuam refused to consecrate him until he obtained the royal assent but the Pope, giving a laudable testimony of John to the king, assent was given for his consecration and a writ issued to the lord justice to restore him to the temporals. John died A.D. 1246 at Rahugh mic Brec, county Westmeath.
Cornelius Rufus, son to the successor of St. Molua, was bishop of Elphin in 1246 but he survived a short time.

Saint Assicus of Elphin (Walsh)

From Thomas Walsh's History of the Irish Hierarchy:

"St Asicus is mentioned as the first bishop of Elphin and to have been placed in the see by St Patrick but it is doubtful whether he has been one in the lifetime of the apostle. The festival of St. Asicus is celebrated on the 27th of April but the year of his death like unto the deaths of other saints is not known. Ware fixes his incumbency in or about 450. It is said that Asicus was an excellent goldsmith and that he adorned the cathedral with monuments of elegant workmanship that he also wrought for St. Patrick quadrangular chalices and altars. It is also related of him that through a penitential spirit he retired from his diocese to the mountain Slievliag in Donegal where, after sojourning a considerable time, he was discovered by his disciples. He could not be induced to return to his see but went with them to a solitude and when he died was buried at Rathcunga barony of Tyrhugh in that county. Next to Asicus is mentioned his nephew Bitheus bishop of Elphin and who was buried with Asicus in Rathcunga.  Bron bishop of Caisseal Iorra was the contemporary of both and died in the time of St. Bridget, AD 512. The names of the successors are lost to our enquiries but may we not hope that they are recorded in the book of life."

"Rathcunga in the barony of Tir Hugh. A very old establishment St Asicus of Elphin and Baithen are interred here St Patrick is said to have erected this church."
 
"881 Asicus bishop of Elphin Biteus and Tassach who fabricated sacred utensils are noticed as such as well as Dageus The ingenuity of the last saint is described in his life which Colgan quotes Idem enim episcopus Dageus abbatibus aliisqne Hibernite Sanctis campanas cymbala baculos cruces scrinia capsas pixides calics discos altariola chrismalia librorumque coopertoria qusedam horum nuda quaedam vero alia auro atque argento gemmisque pretiosis circumtecta pro amore Dei et sanctorum honore sine ullo terreno pretio ingeniose ac mirabiliter composuit."

"See of Rathcunga county of Donegal: St Bitheus. was the founder was contemporary with Bron of Cashel Iorra and Asicus of Elphin, who was his uncle. It is likely that he was also bishop of West Cashel. He has been buried at Rathcunga where the remains of his uncle St Asicus were deposited."

Latin Mass Pilgrimage to Sligo

Members and friends of Saint Assicus' Catholic Heritage Association made their pilgrimage to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in the afternoon of Saturday, 17th October, for a Traditional Latin Mass.

The Cathedral was designed by English architect George Goldie (1828-1887), who was also responsible for the design of Churches in Bohola (1859), Ballymote (1859), Strokestown (1860), Gurteen (1866), and Killasser (1868).  The Cathedral's design was 1867.  Building took place between 1867 and 1875.  It was opened on 26th July, 1874, by Paul, Cardinal Cullen and consecrated by Cardinal Cullen on 1st July, 1897.

The design is in a massive Lombard Romanesque, the only 19th Century Irish Cathedral in the Romanesque style.  It is in a basilican style with the triforium gallery extended across the transepts. This effect can also be seen, 'though less correctly and with much less effect, in a Gothic context, in Ss. Peter and Paul's, Cork City.  The tower reaches a height of 70 meters.  The interior is 69 meters wide at the transepts and 19 meters high.  The aisles continue under the triforium right through into a fine ambulatory with a corona chapel that is now a baptistery.  The High Altar, surmounted by a statue of Mary Immaculate is intact under a brass baldachino.  Some of the stained glass is by Lobin of Tours.

Saint Assicus of Elphin (Ware)

From Sir James Ware's The antiquities and history of Ireland at 147:

"Elphin or as some write it Elfin is situate in a fertile and pleasant Country something rising where St. Patrick built the Cathedral near a little river that flows from two Fountains about the middle of the fifth Century and there placed Asicus a monk of an austere life. Some say that this Asicus was a goldsmith and by his art adorned the Church with monuments of excellent workmanship. After many centuries and not long after the coming of the English, the See of Roscommon being translated hither, this See of Elphin was very much enriched and endowed with large possessions. When Ardcarn, Drumclive and other Sees of less note were united to this, I confess I know not but it is probable that it was before the coming of the English. Their names are not in the distribution made in the year 1152 nor, which is strange, the See of Elphin itself. From whence I cannot but think that it was at that time namely before the said translation united to the See of Roscommon. However it is certain that the See of Elphin by these unions was esteemed one of the richest in Ireland and had more or less 79 Parish Churches. The ignorant vulgar think the name was given it from a great stone there to be seen called the stone of the giant Fin Mac Cool.

"Saint Asicus

"Promot. circ. 450

"Elphin or as some write it Elfin is situated in a pleasant and fertile country of a gentle ascent St. Patrick founded a Cathedral in this place near a little river issuing from two fountains about the middle of the 5th Century and placed over it St Asicus a Monk and a great lover of penance and austerity whom he consecrated Bishop and who soon after filled it with monks. He died at Rathcunge in Tirconnell and was there also buried. [But the time of his Death is no where related, that I know of.  His festival is celebrated on the 27th of April.] Some say this Asicus was an excellent goldsmith and that by his skill he beautyfied the Cathedral with monuments of elegant workmanship. The Author of the Tripartite Life of St Patrick saith that Asicus wrought for St Patrick in brass and that he made for him altars quadrangular, books and quadrangular chalices, one of which was preserved at Armagh, one at Elpbin and one at Domnach mór. After many centuries and a little before the arrival of the English in Ireland this See of Elpbin was enriched with many and large Estates upon the translation of the See of Roscommon to it. I confess I am at a loss to discover at what time the Sees of Ardcarn, Drumclive and others of less note were united and annexed to this. But it is very probable that they were joined either to the See of Elpbin or to that of Roscommon before the arrival of the English. Their Names indeed are not to be found in that Disposition of the Bishopricks of Ireland made in 1152 which I have so often before mentioned and which is strange the See of Elpbin itself is omitted in that Distribution. From whence I cannot but suspect that before the said translation it was for some time annexed to the See of Roscommon. However it is certain that by these unions the See of Elphin came at last to be looked upon as one of the richest of all Ireland and had subject to it about 79 Parish Churches. The foolish common People are silly enough to dream that the name of this place was taken from a huge Stone there to be seen called the Stone of the giant Fin Mac Cool. Others with more probability interpret the name to signifie a stone of a clear transparent fountain, Ail signifying in old Irish a stone and Fin or Fion white. Its name was antiently [sic] Imleach Ona being the Donation of Ono a petty Prince of that Territory to St. Patrick. Flaherty gives an account that this stone fell prostrate to the ground on the 9th of Oclober, 1675 and that the certain day and hour of its falling was foretold by some person who called out witnesses to see it fall. Possibly this was effected by some contrivance of his that he might gain the reputation of a prophet. I find no mention made of any of the Successors of St. Asicus in the See of Elpbin before the arrival of the English except of two viz., Domnald O Dubbai, who was also Bishop of Clonmacnois and died at Clonfert in 1136 or 1137, and Flanachan O Dubhai, who died in 1168."