St. Kiara of Ireland – 7th-Century Irish Abbess and Saint

ST. KIARA

St. Kiara was a 7th-century Irish abbess known for her holiness and for founding a religious community in Munster, remembered for her piety and dedication to Christ.

St. Kiara, sometimes also spelled Cera or Ciara, was a holy woman and abbess in 7th-century Ireland. She is remembered as one of the lesser-known but deeply venerated Irish female saints who lived during a golden age of monasticism in Ireland. Born into a noble family, she dedicated her life to Christ at an early age and is believed to have received the veil from St. Fintan Munnu, a prominent abbot of that era.

She founded a monastery at Kilkeary (meaning “Church of Ciara”) in the region of Munster, where she served as abbess. Like many female saints of her time, Kiara led a monastic community that welcomed both women and men under her guidance. Her monastery was a place of prayer, learning, and care for the poor and sick. The community lived according to a simple but devout monastic rule, focused on daily prayer, manual labor, and hospitality.

Though much about her life remains obscured by time, St. Kiara's legacy endured through oral tradition and hagiographies. She is remembered for her spiritual wisdom, humility, and leadership, qualities that earned her respect not only in her own time but also in centuries that followed. Some legends describe her miracles and her influence on the Irish church during its formative period.

As with many Irish saints, formal canonization did not occur through the modern process. Instead, St. Kiara was venerated as a saint by the local church through popular acclaim and her inclusion in early Irish martyrologies. Her feast day has been celebrated on March 5, honoring her death and entrance into eternal life.

Feast Day

5-3-

Birth Date

--7th century

Died Date

5-3-7th century

Canonised Date

--N/A

Ireland

St. Kiara, holy servant of God, who walked humbly in faith and guided many to Christ, pray for us that we may live in purity and devotion. Intercede for Ireland and for all who seek peace and holiness. Amen.
ST. KIARA

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