St. Kenneth, also known as Canice or Kenny, is a man of mystery with not much known about his life. However, legend has it he was born in Ireland at Glengiven sometime between 515 and 527 and died at Glengiven, County Derry around 600. He first went to Llancarfan, Wales where he was mentored by St. Cadoc.
After ordination, Kenneth studied at Rome for inspiration, then traveled back to Clonard, Ireland where St. Finnian instructed him. An inveterate preacher, Kenneth went with Sts. Columbia, Congall, and Kieran to Glasnevin and St. Mobhi before preaching for a spell in Ireland and going to Scotland.
Together with his close friend Columbia, Kenneth visited King Brude of the Picts and performed successful missionary work. Kenneth’s last known post was at the Aghaboe, Ireland monastery he built. His feast day is Oct. 11, a feast day he now shares with Blessed Pope John XXIII.
