Corpus of Electronic Texts Edition
Life of St. Declan of Ardmore (Author: Patrick Power)
chapter 25
A miracle was wrought at that time on Declan
through the
p.43
intercession and prayers of Patrick for as Declan was walking
carelessly along he trod upon a piece of sharp iron which cut his
foot so that blood flowed freely and Declan began to limp. Ailbe of
Emly was present at this miracle and Sechnall a bishop of Patrick's
and a holy and wise man, and he is said to be the first bishop buried
in Ireland. The wound which Declan had received grieved them very
much. Patrick was informed of the accident and was grieved thereat.
He said:—‘Heal, O Master (i.e. God), the foot of your own servant
who bears much toil and hardship on your account.’ Patrick laid his
hand on the wounded foot and made over it the sign of the cross when
immediately the flow of blood ceased, the lips of the wound united, a
cicatrix formed upon it and a cure was effected. Then Declan rose up
with his foot healed and joined in praising God. The soldiers and
fighting men who were present cried out loudly, blessing God and the
saints.