St. Declan of Ardmore Wooden Doll Ornament

Handmade original St. Declan of Ardmore wooden doll ornament. Perfect for the Christmas Tree. Bring out on his feast day. Gift for a birthday or sacrament (Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation, Holy Orders, Marriage) celebration. Teacher, priest, grandparent gift.

Born in 350 a prince of the Decius (the ruling class) tribe of Celts. Baptized by St. Colman, he was the first person to bring Christianity to Ireland, before St. Patrick, though only locally. Declan first embarks on a journey to Rome where he studied and was ordained a bishop by the Pope, and meets his fellow countryman St. Ailbe of Emly. Legend has it that a golden bell miraculously appeared when he was celebrating Mass after being made the first bishop of Ardmore; when his companion forgot the precious bell, it was ferried back on a huge stone that floated across the sea back to Ardmore (St. Declan’s Stone). On returning to Ireland he met St. Patrick and together they agree on their mission in Ireland. Patrick encourages Declan to found the monastery at Ardmore; his nearby well, known as “the waters of St. Declan” still has healing properties. A friend of St. Patrick and St. David of Wales, he died in 450 “in a narrow place beside the sea” called Declan’s Desert. Patron of Ardmore, Ireland. Feast Day: July 24

Made of wood, felt, ribbon, and handmade accessories. Includes tag and card with Saint description. Approximately 4" tall. Packaged in cellophane bag. Shipped in box with bubble wrap.