Saint Finnian was born in Ireland, studied in Wales, but returned to Ireland upon the completion of his studies. During his studies, it is said that he was an outstanding student.
Being a particularly good student, he was excused from chores that other students had to undertake. He was not well liked for this but did not know that. At some point, he was criticized for being lazy. He said he would do his share. The supervisor told him that no oxen were available and that he would need to find some deer to harness. Much to the amazement of everyone, Finnian went to the woods and returned with two harnessed stags (the stags were harnessed and waiting for him by an angel when he went to find deer to harness). Needless to say, he and the stags did more work than all the others, who were suitably impressed and left him to his studies thereafter.
Upon his return to Ireland, he worked with Saint Brigid. When it was time to leave Brigid’s monastery, she tried to give him a gold ring, which he adamantly refused because he had taken a vow of poverty. She persisted telling him he would need the ring. He still refused. During the journey home he stopped by a stream to refresh himself. When he placed his hands in the stream, Brigid’s gold ring magically appeared on his finger. It turned out that he did indeed need the ring to purchase the freedom of a man who became his right hand man.
St. Finnian established a number of monasteries and is well known for his many good deeds. His monastery was the center of learning for years and years. Many students studied under St. Finnian. He is credited with tutoring the Apostles of Ireland (12 Irish Saints).
