“Every saint has a past,
and every sinner
has a future.”
Oscar Wilde

Saints and sinners… ah, yes. It’s difficult to know who’s who without a game program — and even then, we just never know for sure.

Today, June 3rd, is the Feast of Saint Kevin. Born in Glendalough, County Wicklow, Ireland, Kevin is one of the patron saints of Dublin. He founded the monastery at Glendalough. He is also the patron saint of blackbirds, for a very strange reason.

Kevin lived the life of a hermit for seven years. His companions were the local animals and birds. It is said that one day, while he held his arms outstretched in prayer in his tiny hut, a hut so small that his arms extended out the window during prayer, a blackbird landed in his open hand. The little critter built a small nest and laid her eggs in it. Kevin, a gentle soul and lover of nature, held that position until the eggs hatched. One might think that this would earn Kevin the title of patron saint of patience, but that honor was awarded to Saint Monica.  

I once asked my mother why I was given the name Kevin. She told me that my “due date” in 1954 was June 3rd. Even though my actual birth took place in the morning on June 4th, my parents still liked the name Kevin, so they stuck with it. I’m glad they did. The patron saint celebrated on June 4th is Saint Francis Caracciolo. I couldn’t see myself going through life being called “Frank.” 

The name Kevin is derived from the Irish name Caoimhín, which means handsome, kind, and noble. The name originates from a Gaelic word which signifies gentleness and lovability. (Seriously, folks,… I’m not making this stuff up!)

According to onlymyhealth.com, Kevins “are known to be ambitious and determined. They have a strong will to succeed and are unafraid to work hard to achieve goals. They are very organized and can manage their time effectively in fulfilling any task. They have the natural ability to lead.”

It is believed that Saint Kevin is buried in Glendalough, one of the main pilgrimage destinations of medieval Ireland. In terms of prestige, being buried in Glendalough is akin to being buried in Rome.

Although today is the feast day of Saint Kevin, National Kevin Day (apparently there is such a thing) is celebrated on October 3rd. National Hug-a-Kevin Day (if you don’t believe me, look it up) is a week later on October 10th. You know where to find me!