GOENISH DEDICATIONS. SV 



S. Madoc, Bishop, Confessor. 



See S. Hugh. 



8. Madroist, Abbot, Confessor. 



In B. Bronescombe's Register, 1276, the patron of Madron 

 is called Maternus. In Stapeldon's Register, 1309, he is 

 Madernus, so also in Grrandisson, 1344, 1349, 1363; and in 

 Stafford's, 1407. 



The object of the Bishops of Exeter was to transform a local 

 saint of the Celtic church into one who had a place in the 

 Eoman Calendar. So at Madron, they converted the original 

 founder into Maternus, Bishop of Treves a reputed disciple of 

 S. Peter, but actually belonging to the 3rd century. Madron, 

 however, is the Irish Medran, a favourite pupil of S. Kieran, of 

 Saighir. 



Medran and his brother Odran were natives of Muskerry, 

 and came as boys of from ten to fourteen to Kieran to consult 

 him relative to a pilgrimage they had desired to undertake. 

 When, however, Medran saw the venerable abbot, a waft of 

 commonsense came over him, and he thought it would be a much 

 better course for him and his brother to remain with Kieran and 

 enter into his school. When Medran proposed this to Odran, 

 the latter was indignant. "This," said he, "is not according to 

 the agreement wherewith we started from home." Then Odran 

 turning to Kieran said, " I pray you do not back up my brother 

 against me." 



"The Lord judge between you both," said the Abbot, "Let 

 Medran hold a lantern in his hand and blow at the wick ; if it 

 kindles, then he shall stay with me." 



Then, according to the story, the candle flamed up, and 

 Medran attached himself to Kieran. This method of determining 

 a course by breathing on the still-smouldering snuff of a recently 

 extinguished light, occurs in other stories. 



Odran went on his way sorrowful, and travelled far, but 

 eventually returned, and is probably the saint of Lanhydroc, 

 The name Odr or Huydr takes after it indiscriminately the 

 diminutive an or oc and becomes either Odran or H3'droc, like 

 Aedh which becomes Aedan or Mo-aedoc. 



