Saint Cocca of Kilcock: Patron Saint of Kilcock, Ireland

ST. COCCA

Saint Cocca, a 6th-century Irish saint, is best known for founding a church beside the Rye River in Kilcock, County Kildare. Little is known about her life, but she is believed to be a sister of Saint Kevin of Glendalough. Her legacy lives on through the town of Kilcock, which was named after her, and the church that bears her name. Her feast day, celebrated on June 6, honors her contributions to the local Christian community and the preservation of her memory.

Saint Cocca, also known as Cucca or Cuach, is a lesser-known Irish saint who is traditionally linked with the town of Kilcock in County Kildare, Ireland. Her life and actions remain somewhat enigmatic, and little historical evidence exists about her specific deeds. Saint Cocca is generally considered to have lived during the 6th century, a time when many Irish saints were active in spreading Christianity throughout the island. It is believed that she founded a religious community near the Rye River in Kilcock, an area which eventually came to be known as "Kilcock," meaning "Cocca's cell" in Irish.

While details about her life are scarce, it is suggested that she was either a nun or an abbess. One of the primary traditions about Saint Cocca is that she was the sister of Saint Kevin of Glendalough, another important Irish saint who is famous for establishing the monastic site at Glendalough. It is also noted that she contributed to the religious community by embroidering vestments for Saint Colmcille, another famous Irish saint. These acts of service exemplified her commitment to her faith and to the early Christian church in Ireland.

Though her name may not be as widely recognized as some other Irish saints, Saint Cocca’s legacy has been preserved in the town of Kilcock, where she is venerated as the patron saint. A holy well, known as Tubbermohocca, was once dedicated to her and was located in Kilcock; however, this well has since been covered over, and there is no longer a visible marker of its existence. Despite this, her memory remains embedded in the fabric of the local community.

The parish church of Kilcock, founded in 1867, was dedicated to Saint Cocca, further cementing her significance in the area. Her feast day, which is celebrated on June 6, serves as an annual reminder of her presence in the early days of Christianity in Ireland. This day provides an opportunity for the local community to honor her contributions and to reflect on her legacy.

Saint Cocca’s story, though relatively obscure, highlights the broader historical context of early Irish saints and their role in establishing monasticism across Ireland. It is not uncommon for lesser-known saints like her to have had a lasting impact on local communities, even if their lives were not extensively documented. In the case of Saint Cocca, her connection to the place name of Kilcock and her association with other prominent saints such as Kevin and Colmcille ensures that her memory endures.

Even though specific dates of her birth and death remain unknown, and details about her canonization process are absent, Saint Cocca continues to be celebrated by the people of Kilcock. Her feast day provides an opportunity for locals and visitors alike to reflect on the historical and spiritual significance of her life and the enduring role of early Christian saints in shaping the culture and heritage of Ireland.

Feast Day

6-6-

Birth Date

--N/A

Died Date

--6th century (approximately)

Canonised Date

--Pre-congregation

Kilcock, County Kildare, Ireland

Prayer Information Not Available
ST. COCCA

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